UPSC Prelims 2012 Q46: Environment & Ecology – Water & Wetland Conservation
With reference to the wetlands of India, consider the following statements :
1. The country’s total geographical area under the category of wetlands is recorded more in
Gujarat as compared to other States.
2. In India, the total geographical area of coastal wetlands is larger than that of inland wetlands.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation
Wetlands of India
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The country's total geographical area under the category of wetlands is recorded more in Gujarat as compared to other States | Correct | Gujarat has the largest wetland area, about 3.47 million hectares, owing to its long coast and the Rann of Kutch |
| 2. In India, the total geographical area of coastal wetlands is larger than that of inland wetlands | Incorrect | Inland wetlands cover about 10.5 million hectares; coastal wetlands about 4.1 million |
From the National Wetland Atlas (2011):
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total wetland area | About 15.3 million hectares, 4.6 per cent of India's area |
| Prepared by | Space Applications Centre, ISRO |
| Largest inland types | Rivers, reservoirs and tanks |
Answer: (a) 1 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Gujarat has the largest wetland area; inland wetlands exceed coastal ones.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false; inland wetlands cover more area than coastal wetlands.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false; coastal wetlands are smaller in area.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is true; Gujarat leads all States in wetland area.
Key point
National Wetland Atlas 2011 (ISRO): 15.3 million hectares of wetlands; Gujarat first; inland wetlands (about 10.5 million ha) exceed coastal (about 4.1 million ha).
Remember
Gujarat has the most wetland area; inland beats coastal.
Common mistakes
- Expecting West Bengal or Kerala to lead because of the Sundarbans or backwaters.
- Assuming coastal wetlands dominate because of the long coastline.
- Forgetting that rivers, reservoirs and tanks count as inland wetlands.
Exam tip
Rivers and reservoirs are wetlands too. That is why inland wetlands are larger.
Sources
- Space Applications Centre, ISRO — National Wetland Atlas (2011)
- Ministry of Environment and Forests — Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010