Location:
Features: Tonle Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. It’s unique in
that its flow changes direction during the monsoon season, leading to seasonal
expansion and contraction. The lake is an important fishery and biodiversity hotspot.
Lake Poyang
Location: China
Feature: Lake Poyang is the largest freshwater lake in China and serves as an
important habitat for migratory birds and several endangered species.
Important lakes and their features in India
Dal Lake
Location: Srinagar, Jammu, and Kashmir, in the Himalayan region.
Features: Known for its stunning beauty and houseboats, Dal Lake is a major
tourist attraction. It is surrounded by picturesque mountains and offers shikara
(traditional wooden boat) rides. The lake is also important for local livelihoods,
supporting fishing and agriculture.
Wular Lake
Location: Bandipora district, Jammu and Kashmir.
Features: Wular Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia. It plays a
crucial role in maintaining the hydrological balance of the region and supports
diverse bird species. The lake’s catchment area is used for agriculture and
horticulture.
Chilika Lake
Location: Coastal Odisha, near the Bay of Bengal
Features: Chilika Lake is the largest coastal lagoon in India and a haven for
migratory birds. It is a designated Ramsar site and home to various aquatic species,
including the Irrawaddy dolphin. The lake is separated from the sea by a sandbar,
making it a unique ecosystem.
Vembanad Lake
Location: Kerala, between Alappuzha and Kochi
Features: Vembanad is the longest lake in India and the largest in the state of
Kerala. It is known for its intricate network of backwaters, houseboat tourism, and
vibrant ecosystem. The lake is a vital part of Kerala’s culture and economy.
Loktak Lake
Location: Manipur
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Features: Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India and the
only floating lake in the world due to the presence of phumdis (floating mats of
vegetation). The lake’s Keibul Lamjao National Park is a refuge for the endangered
Manipur brow-antlered deer.
Cholamu lake
Location: Sikkim
Features: It is the largest high-altitude lake in India. It is very near to the Indo-China
border.
Pangong Lake
Location: Ladakh region
Features: Pangong Lake is a high-altitude lake known for its breathtaking blue
waters and stunning surroundings. It extends into Tibet (China) as well. The lake
freezes during winter, making it accessible by road.
Harike lake
Location: Tarntaran, Ferozpur, and Kapurthala districts of Punjab
Features: Harike is one of the largest man-made wetlands in northern India. It
came into existence in 1952 after the construction of a barrage near the confluence
of rivers Sutlej and Beas. Harike is a significant abode for the birds migrating from
across the international frontiers. It is a Ramsar site as well.
Pushkar Lake
Location: Pushkar, Rajasthan.
Features: Pushkar Lake is a sacred lake and a prominent pilgrimage site for
Hindus. It is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma and is surrounded by
ghats and temples. The annual Pushkar Fair is a major event held near the lake.
Sambhar Lake
Location: Rajasthan, near Jaipur.
Features: Sambhar Lake is India’s largest saline lake and a significant source of
salt production. It is also a crucial habitat for migratory birds during winter.
Lonar lake
Location: Buldhana district, Maharashtra
Features: Lonar crater is formed due to the meteorite collision in Pleistocene
Epoch. It is a notified Geo-heritage Monument with saline and alkaline water. It is
one of only four known hyper-velocity impact craters in basaltic rock anywhere on
Earth. The other three basaltic impact structures are in southern Brazil.
Hussain Sagar Lake
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Location: Hyderabad, Telangana.
Features: Hussain Sagar Lake is an artificial lake built during the reign of Ibrahim
Quli Qutub Shah. It is known for the iconic Buddha statue located on an island in
the lake.
Pulicat Lake
Location: Bordering Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Features: Pulicat Lake is the second-largest brackish-water lake in India. It serves
as an important habitat for migratory birds and supports local fishing communities.
These lakes play diverse roles in the ecological balance, cultural heritage, and economic
activities of their respective regions. They are important not only for their natural beauty
but also for their ecological significance and the livelihoods they support.
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