Previous Year Question

Didwana, Kuchaman, Sargol and Khatu are inland saline lakes of Rajasthan. They are associated with the arid climate and inland drainage system of western Rajasthan.

Formation of saline lakes

• Rainfall in western Rajasthan is low and highly variable.

• Many streams do not reach the sea but terminate in closed or inland drainage basins.

• During rainfall, water accumulates in depressions and low-lying areas.

• Rivers and surface runoff carry dissolved salts derived from rocks and soil.

• High temperature and intense evaporation remove the water but leave the salts behind.

• Repetition of this process progressively increases the concentration of salts in the lake water and sediments.

• Such shallow, temporary and flat-floored depressions of arid regions are also known as playa lakes.

Didwana Lake

• Didwana is a well-known inland saline lake situated in the Nagaur region of Rajasthan.

• It occupies a closed drainage basin.

• Its water is highly saline and has traditionally been associated with the production of salt and sodium compounds.

• The amount of water in the lake varies considerably according to rainfall and evaporation.

Kuchaman Lake

• Kuchaman is also one of the arid inland saline lakes of Rajasthan.

• It developed under the combined conditions of a closed basin, low rainfall and high evaporation.

• It is not connected to the sea; its salinity results from inland drainage and the long-term accumulation of salts.

Sargol and Khatu

• Sargol and Khatu are also saline depressions situated in the arid and semi-arid region of Rajasthan.

• They receive water mainly during the rainy season.

• When the water evaporates during the dry season, a saline surface or salt crust is left behind.

• They are seasonal playa-type water bodies rather than deep, permanent lakes.

Other important saline lakes of Rajasthan

• Sambhar Lake: India’s largest inland saline lake and a Ramsar Site.

• Pachpadra Lake: Situated in the Barmer region and known for salt production.

• Lunkaransar: A saline lake in the Bikaner region.

• Degana and Phalodi regions: Known for inland saline depressions.

Examination of the options

• Glaciers: Glaciers develop in very cold mountainous regions such as the Higher Himalayas; these places are located in the arid plains of Rajasthan.

• Mangrove areas: Mangroves develop along tidal coasts and river deltas; these are inland locations.

• Ramsar sites: Sambhar is a Ramsar Site, but the four names given do not constitute a list of Ramsar sites.