General Information

• Definition: A large body of natural water accumulated in a depression; artificial lakes are created by damming rivers.
• Types:
  • Natural Lakes: Permanent, often fed by glaciers.
  • Temporary Lakes: Exist only during the rainy season.

Classification by Origin and Formation

1. Tectonic Lakes: Formed by water filling tectonic depressions. Wular Lake (Kashmir), Pangong Lake (Ladakh)
2. Crater Lakes: Formed in volcanic craters or calderas. Lonar Lake (Maharashtra)
3. Glacial Lakes (Tarns and Cirque Lakes): Result from glacial erosion.Chandra Taal (Himachal Pradesh)
4. Lagoons: Shallow water bodies separated from larger water bodies by sandbanks or reefs. Chilka Lake (Odisha), Pulicat Lake (Andhra Pradesh)
5. Ox-bow Lakes: Formed from meandering river cut-offs. Lake Bird Sanctuary (Bihar)

Important Lakes by State

Jammu and Kashmir

• Dal Lake: Srinagar; freshwater; known for houseboats and lotus flowers.
• Nigeen Lake: Srinagar; connected to Dal Lake by a channel.
• Anchar Lake: Srinagar; connected to Dal Lake by Amir Khan Nallah.
• Wular Lake: Bandipur; one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes; Ramsar Wetland Site.
• Manasbal Lake: Ganderbal; natural freshwater lake.
• Gadsar Lake: Ganderbal; means “lake of fishes” in Kashmiri.
• Gangabal Lake: Freshwater lake at Mount Harmukh’s foothills.
• Sheshnag Lake: Anantnag; on the route to Amarnath Shrine.
• Marsar Lake: Anantnag; close to Tarsar Lake.
• Tarsar Lake: Anantnag; separated from Marsar by a 4000 m peak.
• Mansar Lake: Jammu; Ramsar Wetland Site.
• Surinsar Lake: Jammu; Ramsar Wetland Site.

Ladakh

• Pangong Lake/Pangong Tso: Endorheic lake; Line of Actual Control passes through it.
• Tso-moriri: Changthang Plateau; Ramsar Wetland Site.

Himachal Pradesh

• Chandra Taal Lake: Lahaul and Spiti; high altitude, freshwater; crescent-shaped.
• Suraj Tal Lake: Below Bara-Lacha Pass; source of Bhaga river.
• Nako Lake: Kinnaur; surrounded by willow and poplar trees; Buddhist temples nearby.
• Khajjiar Lake: Chamba district.

Uttarakhand

• Bhimtal: Kumaon Division; largest lake in Nainital district; island in the center.
• Roopkund Lake: Chamoli; high-altitude, known as “Mystery Lake” for skeletons.
• Sattal or Sat Tal: Group of seven freshwater lakes near Bhimtal.

Rajasthan

• Sambhar Lake: Largest inland salt lake; Ramsar Site.
• Dhebar Lake/Jaisamand Lake: Udaipur; second-largest artificial lake in Asia.
• Pushkar Lake: Artificial; sacred to Hindus; located in Pushkar.
• Udaisagar Lake: Artificial; built by Maharana Udai Singh; near Udaipur.
• Mansagar Lake: Artificial; Jaipur; built by Raja Man Singh; Jal Mahal in the lake.

Maharashtra

• Lonar Lake: Buldhana; formed by a meteorite collision; crater lake.
• Gorewada Lake: Nagpur; primary drinking water source for the city.

Odisha

• Chilika Lake: Brackish lagoon; largest coastal lagoon in India; Ramsar Site.
• Hirakud Dam: Across Mahanadi; one of the largest man-made lakes.
• Kanjia Lake: Natural lake near Bhubaneswar.
• Ansupa Lake: Freshwater lake; located on the Mahanadi’s left bank.

Manipur

• Loktak Lake: Largest natural freshwater lake in North-East India; famous for floating phumdis; Ramsar Wetland Site.

Sikkim

• Cholamu Lake/Tso Lhamo Lake: India’s highest lake; North Sikkim; near China border.
• Tsongmo Lake: AlsoChangu Lake; glacial; sacred to Buddhists and Hindus; near Gangtok.
• Khecheopalri Lake: West Sikkim; sacred, believed to fulfill wishes.

Kerala

• Vembanad Lake: Longest lake in India; largest in Kerala; Ramsar Wetland Site.
• Ashtamudi Lake: Second-largest in Kerala; entrance to backwaters; Ramsar Wetland Site.
• Sasthamkotta Lake: Largest freshwater lake in Kerala; Ramsar Wetland Site.

Tamil Nadu

• Kaliveli Lake: Coastal lake; one of the largest wetlands in Peninsular India.
• Kolavai Lake: Perennial lake; located in Kancheepuram district.

Andhra Pradesh

• Pulicat Lake: Second-largest brackish lake; separated from Bay of Bengal by Sriharikota.
• Kolleru Lake: One of India’s largest freshwater lakes; natural flood-balancing reservoir; Ramsar Wetland Site.

Karnataka

• Ulsoor Lake/Halasuru Lake: Major lake in Bangalore.
• Ayyanakere Lake: Near Chikmagalur; in Sakharayapatna village.

Telangana

• Hussain Sagar: Hyderabad; built by Hussain Shah Wali in 1562.
• Osman Sagar: Artificial lake in Hyderabad; created in 1920 by Nizam Osman Ali Khan.

Previous year questions

Prelims

Q. Which of the following projects is managed by multiple States?(1982)

(a) Nagarjuna Sagar Project

(b) Kosi Project

(c) Hirakud Project

(d) Tungabhadra Project

Answer: d)

The Tungabhadra Project is a multi-purpose river valley project shared by both Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It involves the construction of a dam across the Tungabhadra River, a tributary of the Krishna River, and serves the irrigation, power generation, and water supply needs of both states, making it a project managed by multiple states.

Q. The river which flows between Vindhya and Satpura ranges is (1982)

(a) Narmada

(b) Tapti

(c) Mahanadi

(d) Godavari

Answer: a)

The Narmada River flows westward between the Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges, forming a rift valley. It is one of the major rivers in central India and drains into the Arabian Sea.

Q. River Lani drains into (1997)

(a) Ganga delta 1997

(b) Kerala coast

(c) Rann of Kutch

(d) Godavari delta

Answer: c)

The Luni River, which originates in the Aravalli Range, is an important river in the arid regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat. It eventually drains into the Rann of Kutch, where it dissipates without reaching the sea.

Q. Which of the following rivers is the source of water for the Rajasthan canal? (1997)

(a) Yamuna

(b) Chambal

(c) Sutlej

(d) Ghaggar

Answer: (c)

The Rajasthan Canal (also known as the Indira Gandhi Canal) draws its water from the Sutlej River, primarily through the Bhakra Nangal Dam and the Harike Barrage, providing irrigation to the arid regions of Rajasthan.

Q. Consider the following rivers (1996)

1) Kishanganga

2) Ganga

3) Wainganga

4) Penganga

The correct sequence of these rivers when arranged in the north-south direction is

(a) 1,2,3,4 (b) 2,1,3,4

(c) 2,1,4,3 (d) 1,2,4,3

Answer: a)

• Kishanganga (located in northern Jammu and Kashmir),
• Ganga (flows through northern India),
• Wainganga (in central India),
• Penganga (southern tributary of the Wainganga).

Q. Which one of the following statements is not true? (2000)

a) Ghaggar’s water is utilized in the Indira Gandhi Canal

b) Narmada rises from Amarkantak region

c) Nizam Sagar is situated on the Manjra river

d) Penganga is a tributary of the Godavari

Answer: a)

The Ghaggar River is a seasonal river in northern India and does not contribute water to the Indira Gandhi Canal. The canal primarily sources water from the Sutlej River, through the Bhakra Nangal Dam. The other statements are true.

Q. Gandhi Sagar Dam is a part of which one of the following? (2005)

(a) Chambal Project

(b) Kost Project

(c) Damodar Valley Project

(d) Bhakra Nangal Project

Answer: a)

The Gandhi Sagar Dam is part of the Chambal River Project, which is a multi-purpose project for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation in the Chambal River valley. It is located on the Chambal River in Madhya Pradesh.

Q. From North towards South, which one of the following is the correct sequence of the given rivers in India? (2006)

(a) Shyok-Spiti-Zaskar-Satluj

(b) Shyok-Zaskar-Spiti-Satluj

(c) Zaskar-Shyok-Satluj-Spiti

(d) Zaskar-Satluj-shyok-Spiti

Answer: b)

• Shyok River (a tributary of the Indus in Ladakh),
• Zaskar River (a tributary of the Indus),
• Spiti River (a tributary of the Sutlej),
• Satluj River (one of the major rivers of the Indus system).

Q. Which one of the following rivers is the Tehri Hydropower Complex located? (2008)

(a) Alaknanda

(b) Bhagirathi

(c) Dhauliganga

(d) Mandakini

Answer: b)

The Tehri Hydropower Complex is located on the Bhagirathi River in the state of Uttarakhand. It is one of the largest hydroelectric projects in India.

Q. With which one of the following rivers is the Omkareshwar Project associated? (2008)

(a) Chambal

(b) Narmada

(c) Tapi

(d) Bhima

Answer: b)

The Omkareshwar Project is a hydroelectric and irrigation project located on the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh.

Q. With reference to the river Luni, which one of the following statements is correct? (2010)

a) It flows into Gulf of Khambhat

b) It flows into Gulf of Kachchh

c) It flows into Pakistan and merges with a tributary of-Indus

d) It is lost in the marshy land of the Rann of Kachchh

Answer: d)

The Luni River, which originates in the Aravalli Range, flows through Rajasthan and Gujarat, and eventually dissipates in the marshy land of the Rann of Kachchh, without reaching any sea.

Q. With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements (2017)

1) The source of river Teesta is the same asthat of Brahmaputes but it flows throughSikkim

2) River Hangeet originates in Sikkim and it is atributary of river Teesta.

3) Hiver Teesta flows into Bay of Bengal on theborder of India and Bangladesh

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: b)

• The source of the Teesta River is not the same as that of the Brahmaputra. The Teesta originates from the Tso Lhamo Lake in Sikkim, while the Brahmaputra originates from the Angsi Glacier in Tibet.
• The Rangeet River originates in Sikkim and is a tributary of the Teesta.
• The Teesta flows into the Jamuna River in Bangladesh, which eventually merges with the Brahmaputra before flowing into the Bay of Bengal.

Q. Consider the following statements: (2023)

1. Jhelum River passes through Wular Lake.

2. Krishna River directly feeds Kolleru Lake.

3. Meandering of the Gandak River formed Kanwar Lake.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Answer: a)

• The Jhelum River passes through Wular Lake in Jammu and Kashmir.
• The Krishna River does not directly feed Kolleru Lake; it is fed by seasonal streams and the rivers Budameru and Tammileru.
• The Gandak River is not responsible for the formation of Kanwar Lake; the lake is primarily a result of monsoonal flooding.

Q. Gandikota canyon of South India was created by which one of the following rivers? (2022)

(a) Cauvery

(b) Manjira

(c) Pennar

(d) Tungabhadra

Answer: c)

The Gandikota canyon, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of India,” was carved by the Pennar River in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh. The steep gorge and the scenic landscape make it a prominent geological feature in the region.

Q. With reference to the Indus River system, of the following four rivers, three of them pour into one of them which joins the Indus directly. Among the following, which one is such a river that joins the Indus directly? (2021)

(a) Chenab (b) Jhelum

(c) Ravi (d) Sutlej

Answer: d)

The Sutlej River is the river that directly joins the Indus River. The Chenab, Jhelum, and Ravi rivers all flow into the Sutlej, which then joins the Indus in Pakistan. Hence, the Sutlej is the river that connects directly with the Indus.

Q. Consider the following rivers: (2017)

• Brahmani
• Nagavali
• Subarnarekha
• Vamsadhara

Which of the above rise from the Eastern Ghats?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 4

(c) 3 and 4

(d) 1 and 3

Answer: b

The Nagavali and Vamsadhara rivers originate from the Eastern Ghats. The Brahmani originates from the Chotanagpur Plateau, and the Subarnarekha originates from the Ranchi Plateau in Jharkhand, not from the Eastern Ghats.

Q. With reference to river teesta, consider the following statements (2017)

• The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahamputra but it flows through Sikkim
• River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta.
• River Teesta flows into Bay of Bengal on the border of India and Bangladesh.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: b)

• The Teesta River originates from the Tso Lhamo Lake in Sikkim, while the Brahmaputra originates from the Angsi Glacier in Tibet. They do not share the same source.
• The Rangeet River originates in Sikkim and is a tributary of the Teesta.
• The Teesta River flows into the Jamuna River in Bangladesh (a major channel of the Brahmaputra) and does not directly flow into the Bay of Bengal.

Q. Consider the following rivers: (2015)

• Vamsadhara
• Indravati
• Pranahita
• Pennar

Which of the above are tributaries of Godavari?

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2, 3 and 4

(c) 1, 2 and 4

(d) 2 and 3 only

Answer: d)

• Indravati and Pranahita are tributaries of the Godavari River.
• Vamsadhara is a separate river and is not a tributary of the Godavari.
• Pennar is an independent river that flows into the Bay of Bengal, not into the Godavari.

Q. Consider the following rivers: (2014)

• Barak
• Lohit
• Subansiri

Which of the above flows/flows through Arunachal Pradesh?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: b)

• The Lohit and Subansiri rivers flow through Arunachal Pradesh.
• The Barak River flows through parts of northeastern India, including Assam and Manipur, but not Arunachal Pradesh.

Q. Consider the following pairs: (2013)

National Park through the park River Flowing

• Corbett National Park : Ganga
• Kaziranga National Park : Manas
• Silent Valley National Park : Kaveri

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 3

(d) None

Answer: d)

• Corbett National Park: The river flowing through it is the Ramganga, not the Ganga.
• Kaziranga National Park: The river flowing through it is the Brahmaputra, not the Manas.
• Silent Valley National Park: The river flowing through it is the Kunthipuzha, not the Kaveri.

Q. The Narmada river flows to the west, while most other large peninsular rivers flow to the east. Why? (2013)

• It occupies a linear rift valley.
• It flows between the Vindhyas and the Satpuras.
• The land slopes to the west from Central India

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3

(c) 1 and 3

(d) None

Answer: a)

The Narmada River flows to the west primarily because it occupies a linear rift valley formed due to tectonic activity between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges. The statement about the land sloping to the west is incorrect, as most of the peninsular region’s slope is towards the east, which is why other major rivers like the Godavari and Krishna flow eastward. Hence, only the first statement is correct.

Previous Year Mains

Q. The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods, and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. (2013)

Ans: Solution

Introduction	The interlinking of rivers (ILR) has been proposed as a solution to India’s water-related issues, such as droughts, floods, and interrupted navigation. It aims to transfer surplus water from water-rich regions to water-deficient areas through a network of canals and reservoirs. While this project promises several benefits, it also faces significant environmental, economic, and social challenges.
Body	Potential Benefits of Interlinking of Rivers: 1. Addressing Droughts: Water redistribution: The ILR project aims to divert water from regions with surplus water, such as the Ganga and Brahmaputra basins, to drought-prone areas, especially in central and southern India (e.g., Rajasthan, Gujarat). Enhanced irrigation: This would increase the availability of water for agriculture, reduce dependence on monsoons, and help maintain groundwater levels, thereby addressing chronic droughts. 2. Flood Management: Flood control: In regions prone to flooding, such as the Brahmaputra and Ganga basins, interlinking can help divert excess floodwater to areas with lower rainfall. This can mitigate the devastation caused by floods, save lives, and protect infrastructure. Reservoirs and storage: The creation of reservoirs as part of the ILR network can regulate the flow of water during the rainy season, preventing floods and ensuring that excess water is stored for use during dry periods. 3. Improved Navigation: Inland waterways development: Interlinking rivers can lead to the creation of navigable waterways that connect different regions. This could boost trade, lower transportation costs, and reduce pressure on road and rail infrastructure. Boosting economic activity: Enhanced navigation could promote inland water transport, which is more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly than road or rail transport. It could also open up economic opportunities in remote areas. Challenges and Criticisms of Interlinking of Rivers: 1. Environmental Impact: Ecological disruption: The large-scale diversion of water may disturb natural ecosystems, including riverine habitats, wetlands, and forests. This could harm biodiversity, disrupt wildlife migration, and lead to the destruction of important ecosystems. Alteration of water cycles: Changing the natural flow of rivers can affect the ecological balance, including the replenishment of groundwater, sediment transport, and nutrient distribution. For instance, delta regions could suffer from reduced sediment flow, impacting agriculture and fishing communities. 2. Economic and Social Costs: High financial burden: The ILR project requires massive investment in infrastructure, which may divert resources from other pressing development needs, such as healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation. Displacement of communities: Building reservoirs and canals will require large tracts of land, leading to the displacement of local communities, particularly tribal populations. Inadequate compensation and rehabilitation measures could result in social unrest. 3. Inter-State Disputes: Water-sharing conflicts: The ILR project may exacerbate existing inter-state river disputes, as states may resist the diversion of their water resources to other regions. For instance, states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have ongoing conflicts over the sharing of the Cauvery River. Political tensions: Given the political sensitivity surrounding water issues, the implementation of ILR could lead to tensions between states and even neighboring countries, such as Bangladesh, which shares river systems with India.
Conclusion	While the interlinking of rivers offers potential solutions to critical issues such as droughts, floods, and interrupted navigation, it is not a panacea. The environmental, social, and economic costs must be carefully weighed against the benefits. A comprehensive impact assessment, including alternatives like water conservation, better irrigation practices, and rainwater harvesting, is essential before moving forward with large-scale river interlinking projects. Collaborative governance, sustainable planning, and stakeholder engagement are vital to ensuring that the ILR project benefits the country without causing undue harm.

Q. Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations.(2016)

Ans: Solution

Introduction	The Indus Water Treaty (IWT) was signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank, to solve disputes over water resources in the Indus River system. This treaty has been heralded as a significant diplomatic achievement, given the tense relations between the two countries. The IWT allocated the water of the three eastern rivers (the Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej) primarily to India and the three western rivers (the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) to Pakistan, with specific regulations for usage. This treaty’s implications, particularly in light of shifting bilateral relations, are profound and multifaceted, spanning ecological, economic, and political domains.
Body	1. Ecological Implications: Environmental Flow Concerns: The treaty does not adequately address the maintenance of environmental flows, which is crucial for sustaining river ecosystems. Alterations in river flows due to dam constructions and water diversions have impacted biodiversity and the ecological balance in the region. Climate Change Impact: As climate change affects glacier melt and monsoon patterns, the flow in the river system becomes unpredictable, potentially leading to conflicts over water sharing and an increased need for adaptive strategies that are not explicitly provided for in the treaty. 2. Economic Implications: Agricultural Dependence: Both India and Pakistan are heavily reliant on agriculture, which in turn depends on the water from the Indus system. The treaty’s allocation of rivers has influenced the agricultural productivity and economic policies of both nations, with India developing its potential in the eastern rivers and Pakistan in the western rivers. Hydropower Projects: The treaty permits India to build run-of-the-river hydropower projects on the Western rivers, which has been a point of contention. These projects are vital for India’s energy needs but have raised concerns in Pakistan about water regulation and flow consistency. 3. Political Implications: Bilateral Relations: The treaty has remained in force despite several wars and continuous political tensions between India and Pakistan, symbolizing a commitment to managing shared resources. However, ongoing disputes related to the interpretation and implementation of the treaty’s provisions, such as those involving the construction of dams, have strained relations. International Arbitration: Instances requiring third-party arbitration, as seen in the cases of the Kishanganga and Baglihar projects, highlight the political sensitivities involved. These arbitrations, while resolving specific disputes, also reflect the persistent mistrust between the two nations. 4. Implications of Changing Bilateral Relations: Increased Tensions: As political relations between India and Pakistan have deteriorated, there have been calls in India to revisit or even abrogate the treaty as a pressure tactic against Pakistan, especially following terrorist attacks perceived to be supported by Pakistan. Water Security as a Tool: In the context of changing bilateral relations, water security has emerged as a strategic tool and potential point of leverage, raising concerns about the future stability and fairness of the treaty.
Conclusion	The Indus Water Treaty stands as a testament to the possibility of long-term cooperation over shared resources, even between rival nations. However, the changing environmental scenario, evolving economic needs, and fluctuating political relations pose significant challenges to its sustainability and effectiveness. Addressing these issues requires a proactive, adaptive management approach and continued engagement at multiple levels, including diplomatic and technical. Ultimately, the health of the Indus Water Treaty in the face of these challenges will depend on the broader political will and the ability of India and Pakistan to prioritize mutual benefits over conflict, ensuring water security for millions dependent on the Indus river system.