UPSC Prelims 2021 Q54: Geography – Indian Physical Geography
- (a) glaciers
- (b) mangrove areas
- (c) Ramsar sites
- (d) saline lakes
Answer: (d) saline lakes
Explanation
Didwana, Kuchaman, Sargol, Khatu - Rajasthan's Saline Lakes
| Feature | Location | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Didwana | Nagaur district, Rajasthan | Saline lake (salt production) |
| Kuchaman | Nagaur district, Rajasthan | Saline lake (salt harvesting) |
| Sargol | Rajasthan | Saline lake |
| Khatu | Sikar district, Rajasthan | Saline lake / brackish inland lake |
All four are SALINE LAKES of Rajasthan - inland brackish/saline water bodies that yield salt via evaporation. Rajasthan's other famous saline lakes: Sambhar (largest in India), Pachpadra, Lunkaransar.
Answer: (d) saline lakes.
These lakes are seasonal (dry in summer) and yield salt when water evaporates. Combined they contribute a significant share to India's inland salt production.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Rajasthan has no glaciers - it is an arid desert state.
- (b) Incorrect. Mangroves are coastal (Sundarbans, Bhitarkanika, Pichavaram, Mahanadi delta) - not inland Rajasthan.
- (c) Incorrect. Ramsar sites in Rajasthan include Sambhar Lake and Keoladeo National Park - Didwana etc. are not on the Ramsar list.
- (d) CORRECT. Didwana, Kuchaman, Sargol and Khatu are all inland saline lakes of Rajasthan - salt-producing brackish water bodies. Other famous Rajasthan saline lakes: Sambhar (largest), Pachpadra, Lunkaransar.
Key point
Didwana + Kuchaman + Sargol + Khatu = saline lakes of Rajasthan (salt production). Other saline lakes: Sambhar (largest, Ramsar site), Pachpadra, Lunkaransar. Located in arid western Rajasthan, seasonal, yield salt via evaporation.
Remember
Didwana, Kuchaman, Sargol and Khatu are inland SALINE LAKES of Rajasthan - salt-producing brackish water bodies in the arid western part of the state. Sambhar (also saline) is the largest inland salt lake in India. Correct answer: (d).
Common mistakes
- Confusing saline lakes (inland, arid) with mangroves (coastal, brackish).
- Assuming all famous Rajasthan lakes are Ramsar sites. Only Sambhar and Keoladeo are Ramsar-listed in Rajasthan.
- Not knowing Rajasthan has 5th largest inland salt production (after Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra, Maharashtra coastal salt).
Exam tip
Rajasthan saline lakes: Sambhar (largest, Ramsar) + Pachpadra + Didwana + Kuchaman + Lunkaransar + Sargol + Khatu. Formed by endorheic basins (no outflow). Provide livelihoods to salt farmers. Sambhar is a critical flamingo habitat.
Sources
- Geological Survey of India - Rajasthan Salt Deposits
- NCERT Class XI Physical Geography - Lakes of India