A lake is a body of surface water that is surrounded by land. Rivers will operate as an outlet or inlet to lakes, meaning that lakes will take water from rivers or act as a source of water. There are several lakes in India. These are distinct in terms of size and other aspects. Most lakes are permanent, but some, such as those in semi-arid interior drainage basins, only hold water during the rainy season. This article will explain to you about the Major Lakes in India which will be helpful in Geography preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Lakes in India

• A lake is a body of surface water bordered on all sides by land.
• Lakes will take water from rivers or function as a source of water since rivers will act as an outlet or inlet to them.
• Lakes may be found in a variety of settings, including hilly areas, plains, plateaus, rift zones, and so on.
• Some lakes are generated by the action of glaciers and ice sheets, while others are formed by wind, river movement, and human activity.
• Lakes are used for a variety of purposes, including drinking water, irrigation, navigation, water storage, livelihood (fishing, for example), and influence on microclimate.
• There are several sorts of lakes that may be classed depending on a variety of factors — these include:
  • Freshwater Lakes,
  • Salt Water lakes,
  • Natural Lakes,
  • Artificial Lakes,
  • Oxbow lake,
  • Crater Lake

Freshwater Lakes in India

• Freshwater lakes are produced in a variety of ways, and the microorganisms that survive and flourish in them are influenced by their formation.
• Stream or river-fed lakes, glacial lakes formed by melting glaciers, and man-made lakes created by the construction of a dam from abandoned mines or quarries are all typical types of lakes.
• In addition to modifying the microbiological makeup of a lake, stratification may cause a variation throughout the lake.
• The water in lakes is influenced by rain, snow, melting ice, streams, and groundwater seepage. Most lakes contain freshwater.

Important Fresh Water lakes in India

Salt Water Lakes

• Due to the endorheic structure of the lake, the water pouring into the lake, which includes salt or minerals, is impossible to depart.
• The water then evaporates, leaving any dissolved salts behind and raising the lake's salinity, making it a perfect location for salt production.
• High salinity can also result in halophilic flora and fauna in and around the lake; in fact, the salt lake's lack of multicellular life is sometimes the result.

Important Salt Water lakes in India

Natural Lakes in India

• Natural lakes can be found in mountainous locations, rift zones, and areas where glaciers still exist.
• The creation of natural lakes is aided by a number of factors.
• The tectonic movement of a mountain range can create bowl-shaped depressions that collect water and produce lakes.
• Landslides and glacial blocks cause lakes to form. Lagoons are formed by spits and bars along the shore.

Important Natural Lakes

Oxbow Lakes

• Oxbow Lake is a small lake located in the abandoned meander loop of a river channel.
• A lake is generated by river bends that are U-shaped or curved and are cut off from the main river flow.
• Every river has its own set of twists and bends, also known as meanders, that cut through the landscape in a unique way.
• Due to continual erosion and deposition along the meanders' borders, the termination of the meander loop becomes closer and closer.
• The river meander loops finally cut themselves off, forming an oxbow lake.

Oxbow Lakes in India

Artificial Lakes

• Artificial lakes, often known as reservoirs, are used all over the world as a source of water.
• Artificial lakes are frequently created by damming a section of a river and holding the water in a reservoir behind a dam.
• Throughout seasonal fluctuations, water flow and precipitation add to the reservoir, avoiding evaporation.
• They can also be built by excavating land or enclosing water using dykes.

Artificial Lakes in India

Crater lake

• A volcanic crater or caldera creates a water-filled depression known as a crater lake.
• Lonar Lake is the best example of a crater lake in India. It's one of the planet's only four known hyper-velocity impact craters in basaltic rock.
• Water can come from precipitation, groundwater circulation, or melting glaciers.
• Its level rises until a balance is reached between the speeds of entering and departing water.

Lonar Lake

• Lonar Lake is the only known extraterrestrial impact crater and is found within the vast Deccan Traps, a large basaltic rock in India.
• The lake was originally considered to be volcanic, but it has now been shown to be an impact crater.
• A meteor or asteroid collided with Lonar Lake, forming the lake.
• Lonar Lake, also known as Lonar Crater, is a saline, soda lake located near Lonar in the Buldhana region of Maharashtra, India. It is a recognized National Geo-heritage Monument.
• Lonar Lake was produced by a meteorite collision event during the Pleistocene Epoch.

Significance of Lakes

• Lakes are significant for a variety of purposes, including controlling river flow, storing water during dry seasons, preserving the ecosystem, and producing hydroelectric power.
• The Himalayan area has the majority of freshwater lakes.
• They come from the ice age.
• To put it another way, they were formed when glaciers carved out a basin that was subsequently filled with snowmelt.
• A lake aids in the regulation of river flow.
• It reduces flooding following heavy rains and aids in maintaining a steady flow of water throughout the dry season.
• They assist to regulate the climate in the area, manage the aquatic habitat, increase natural beauty, promoting tourism, and offering recreation.

Conclusion

Lakes will collect water from rivers or serve as a source of water since rivers will serve as an outlet or inlet to them. Lakes can be found in a range of environments, such as mountainous terrain, plains, plateaus, rift zones, and so on. Using rivers for irrigation, navigation, and hydro-power generation is especially important in a nation like India, where agriculture is the primary source of income for the majority of the people.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which is the largest freshwater lake in India?

A) Chilika Lake
B) Wular Lake
C) Loktak Lake
D) Dal Lake

2. Which lake is known for its floating islands called "phumdis"?

A) Wular Lake
B) Chilika Lake
C) Loktak Lake
D) Sambhar Lake

3. Where is Chilika Lake located?

A) Andhra Pradesh
B) Odisha
C) Tamil Nadu
D) Kerala

4. Which lake is known for being the largest inland saltwater lake in India?

A) Sambhar Lake
B) Wular Lake
C) Dal Lake
D) Vembanad Lake

5. What is the main economic activity associated with Dal Lake?

A) Salt production
B) Tourism and fishing
C) Mining
D) Agriculture

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the ecological and economic significance of major lakes in India.

Answer: Major lakes in India play crucial ecological and economic roles. For instance, Wular Lake in Jammu and Kashmir is essential for flood control and supports regional biodiversity. Chilika Lake in Odisha is a Ramsar site, known for its rich biodiversity, including migratory birds and fish species, contributing to the local fishing industry. Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan is significant for salt production, impacting the regional economy. Lakes such as Dal and Loktak also bolster tourism and support unique ecosystems, with Loktak being notable for its "phumdis" and the endangered Sangai deer. These lakes provide livelihoods, support agriculture through irrigation, and help maintain groundwater levels, making them vital for both environmental and economic stability.

Q2: Evaluate the challenges faced by major lakes in India and suggest measures for their conservation.

Answer: Major lakes in India face challenges like pollution, encroachment, and climate change impacts. Lakes such as Wular and Dal in Jammu and Kashmir suffer from siltation and pollution, affecting water quality and biodiversity. Chilika Lake, although a critical wetland, faces threats from overfishing and industrial discharge. Conservation measures include strict regulation of waste disposal, sustainable tourism practices, and ecological restoration projects like desiltation and afforestation. Government initiatives and community involvement are essential for effective conservation, as demonstrated by efforts in conserving Loktak Lake's unique ecosystem through sustainable management practices.

Q3: Explain the role of Ramsar sites in the conservation of lakes and wetlands in India, with examples.

Answer: Ramsar sites play a vital role in conserving lakes and wetlands, ensuring the protection of these ecologically significant areas under the Ramsar Convention. In India, lakes like Chilika and Wular have been designated Ramsar sites, highlighting their international importance. These sites support biodiversity, serve as crucial bird habitats, and contribute to regional economies through tourism and fishing. The designation as a Ramsar site brings attention to conservation needs and facilitates funding and collaborative management practices. Effective conservation efforts for these sites involve a combination of policy measures, habitat restoration, and active participation from local communities to balance ecological sustainability with human use.

Previous Year Questions on Major Lakes in India

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:

Question: Which of the following lakes is known for its floating islands called "phumdis"?

A) Chilika Lake
B) Loktak Lake
C) Wular Lake
D) Sambhar Lake

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Loktak Lake in Manipur is famous for its floating islands called "phumdis," composed of vegetation and organic matter.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2018 (GS Paper 1):

Question: "Discuss the importance of major lakes in India and their impact on the local economy and ecology."

Answer: Major lakes in India, such as Chilika, Wular, and Dal, play pivotal roles in both ecology and the economy. Chilika Lake supports a diverse range of aquatic life and is vital for the livelihoods of fishermen, contributing to the local economy. Wular Lake assists in flood management and supports biodiversity, while Dal Lake enhances tourism and provides a source of income for many in the region. However, these lakes face issues like pollution and siltation. Addressing these challenges through effective conservation strategies, sustainable practices, and public awareness campaigns is essential for maintaining their ecological balance and economic contribution.