UPSC Prelims Questions: Ramsar Sites, Wetlands, and Policies
1. Which of the following is the largest Ramsar site in India?
A. Chilika Lake
B. Vembanad-Kol Wetland
C. Loktak Lake
D. Ashtamudi Wetland
Answer: A. Chilika Lake
Explanation: Chilika Lake in Odisha is India’s largest brackish water lagoon and a Ramsar site of international importance.
2. The Ramsar Convention is concerned with:
A. Conservation of forests
B. Conservation of wetlands
C. Protection of migratory birds
D. Control of invasive species
Answer: B. Conservation of wetlands
Explanation: Ramsar Convention (1971) is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
3. Which of the following rivers are associated with Ramsar wetlands in India?
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Ganga
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Brahmaputra
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Godavari
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 1, 2, and 3
D. 2 and 3 only
Answer: C. 1, 2, and 3
Explanation: Wetlands along all three rivers are recognized for biodiversity and water resource conservation.
4. Which state has the highest number of Ramsar sites in India?
A. Kerala
B. Tamil Nadu
C. Odisha
D. Gujarat
Answer: C. Odisha
Explanation: Odisha has multiple Ramsar sites, including Chilika Lake, Bhitarkanika Mangroves, and East Kolkata Wetlands.
5. National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP) was launched in:
A. 1985
B. 1987
C. 1991
D. 1996
Answer: B. 1987
Explanation: NWCP was launched to conserve and manage India’s wetlands through identification, monitoring, and management plans.
6. Which of the following wetlands in India is famous for the Sangai deer and is also a Ramsar site?
A. Loktak Lake
B. Vembanad Lake
C. Chilika Lake
D. Ashtamudi Wetland
Answer: A. Loktak Lake
Explanation: Loktak Lake in Manipur is famous for its floating phumdis and the endangered Sangai deer.
7. What is the aim of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017?
A. To identify and regulate wetlands
B. To promote wetland-based tourism
C. To encourage industrial use of wetlands
D. To replace National Wetland Conservation Programme
Answer: A. To identify and regulate wetlands
Explanation: The rules provide a framework for conservation, wise use, and regulation of wetlands.
8. Which of the following is true regarding Ramsar sites in India?
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Sites are designated by the Central Government
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They are internationally recognized for ecological importance
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All wetlands in India are Ramsar sites
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
Answer: A. 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Only selected wetlands are designated Ramsar sites; not all wetlands are included.
9. East Kolkata Wetlands is known for:
A. Migratory birds
B. Floating agriculture and wastewater recycling
C. Rice production
D. Mineral resources
Answer: B. Floating agriculture and wastewater recycling
Explanation: It is a unique urban wetland system used for organic farming and sewage treatment.
10. Which government body is responsible for wetland management in India?
A. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
B. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
C. National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
D. Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
Answer: B. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
Explanation: MoEFCC enforces wetland policies and oversees Ramsar site notifications.
11. Which of the following schemes promote wetland restoration and conservation in India?
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National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems
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National Wetland Conservation Programme
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Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. All of the above
Answer: A. 1 and 2 only
Explanation: MGNREGA indirectly supports restoration work but is not specifically a wetland scheme.
12. Ashtamudi Wetland is located in:
A. Kerala
B. Karnataka
C. Odisha
D. Tamil Nadu
Answer: A. Kerala
Explanation: Ashtamudi is a Ramsar site famous for backwaters and ecotourism.
13. Which Ramsar site is known for brackish water and migratory birds in Tamil Nadu?
A. Pulicat Lake
B. Chilika Lake
C. Loktak Lake
D. Vembanad Lake
Answer: A. Pulicat Lake
Explanation: Pulicat Lake is a brackish water ecosystem and a major site for migratory birds.
14. Which of the following statements is correct regarding the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017?
A. Only forest department can regulate wetlands
B. Central Wetlands Regulatory Authority is constituted
C. All wetlands over 50 hectares are automatically protected
D. Industrial use of wetlands is unrestricted
Answer: B. Central Wetlands Regulatory Authority is constituted
Explanation: The authority oversees wetland regulation and conservation measures across India.
15. Which of the following are included in India’s National Wetlands Inventory?
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Lakes
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Rivers
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Mangroves
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Marshes
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2, and 3 only
C. All of the above
D. 2 and 4 only
Answer: C. All of the above
Explanation: India’s inventory includes lakes, rivers, mangroves, marshes, ponds, and other wetland types for conservation planning.
These 15 questions give Prelims-level coverage of:
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Ramsar sites and their significance
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Wetland policies and regulatory rules
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Government schemes for wetland conservation
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