Previous Year Question
Which of the following is the largest lagoon lake situated on the east coast of India?
Pulicat
Chilka
Kulleru
Kilivali
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
Chilika Lake is located on the eastern coast of Odisha and is India's largest brackish-water lagoon. According to the Chilika Development Authority, it is the largest brackish-water lagoon with estuarine character on the east coast of India and is connected with the Bay of Bengal through a narrow sea mouth.
Chilika extends mainly across the coastal areas of Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts. Its water-spread area varies seasonally from about 906 km² to 1,165 km².
Marine saline water mixes with freshwater received from rivers and streams, giving the lagoon its brackish-water character. Therefore, it is classified as a coastal lagoon rather than an ordinary freshwater lake.
Chilika was designated a Ramsar Site in 1981 and is among India's earliest Ramsar wetlands. It is also an important wintering ground for migratory waterbirds and a significant habitat for the Irrawaddy Dolphin.