Bhoj Wetland, consisting of two contiguous human-made lakes, is located in which city?
- Indore city
- Gwalior city
- Bhopal city
- Ujjain town
Explanation: The Bhoj Wetland consists of the Upper and Lower Lakes in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, created in the 11th century.
Sakhya Sagar, a human-made reservoir and Ramsar site, is situated within which National Park?
- Madhav Park
- Kanha Reserve
- Bandhavgarh
- Keoladeo Park
Explanation: Sakhya Sagar is located within the Madhav National Park in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh.
Which Ramsar site in Odisha is famous for its dense mangrove forests and saltwater crocodiles?
- Chilika Lake
- Bhitarkanika Mangroves
- The Tampara Lake
- Satkosia Gorge Reserve
Explanation: Bhitarkanika is a massive mangrove ecosystem in Odisha known for supporting the largest population of estuarine crocodiles in India.
In which year did the Ramsar Convention officially enter into force globally?
- Year 1990
- Year 1971
- The year 1982
- Year 1975
Explanation: Although signed in 1971, the Ramsar Convention officially came into force in 1975 after a sufficient number of nations ratified it.
The administrative Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention is officially hosted by which organization in Gland, Switzerland?
- World Wildlife
- United Nations
- The IUCN
- Global Facility
Explanation: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) hosts the Ramsar Secretariat at its headquarters in Switzerland.
The Sur Sarovar Ramsar site in Uttar Pradesh is also popularly known by tourists as:
- Bhoj wetland
- Keetham Lake
- Harike barrage
- Ousteri lake
Explanation: Sur Sarovar, also known as Keetham Lake, is an important bird sanctuary located near Agra.
Which Indian framework decentralized wetland management strictly to State Wetland Authorities?
- Wetland Rules 2017
- EPA Rules 1986
- Wetland Rules 2010
- Forest Rules 2022
Explanation: The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 shifted the focus of management from the central government to the states.
Which Ramsar criterion identifies a wetland of international importance if it regularly supports 20,000 or more waterbirds?
- Criterion six
- Criterion five
- Criterion nine
- Criterion two
Explanation: Criterion 5 specifically focuses on sheer abundance, recognizing wetlands that hold 20,000 or more waterbirds regularly.
Which Ramsar site in Jammu and Kashmir is recognized as the largest natural freshwater lake in India?
- Chilika lagoon
- Vembanad Kol
- Wular Lake
- Loktak wetland
Explanation: Wular Lake is the largest freshwater lake in India, formed by tectonic activity and fed by the Jhelum river.
Which is the smallest Ramsar site in India, located in Himachal Pradesh?
- Sasthamkotta Lake
- Pong Dam Lake
- Chandertal Wetland
- Renuka Wetland
Explanation: Renuka Wetland in Himachal Pradesh is the smallest Ramsar site in India, covering an area of just 20 hectares.
Pichavaram Mangrove in Tamil Nadu is uniquely separated from the Bay of Bengal by a:
- Coral reef
- Deep trench
- Rocky cliff
- Sand bar
Explanation: Pichavaram features complex estuarine dynamics where the mangrove ecosystem is protected from direct ocean waves by a long sand bar.
Which Ramsar site in Andhra Pradesh is a massive freshwater lake located between the Krishna and Godavari deltas?
- Kolleru Lake
- Nizam Sagar
- Coringa Mangroves
- Pulicat Lake
Explanation: Kolleru Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in India, serving as a natural flood-balancing reservoir.
The Ramsar Convention was signed on the shores of which major international water body?
- Mediterranean Sea
- Red Sea
- Black Sea
- Caspian Sea
Explanation: The city of Ramsar in Iran is situated on the coast of the Caspian Sea.
Which Iranian location hosted the signing of the Convention on Wetlands?
- Tehran city
- Shiraz town
- Ramsar city
- Isfahan province
Explanation: The convention was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea in 1971.
Which scheme was launched by the Indian government specifically for the optimal use and conservation of wetlands?
- Swachh Bharat
- Namami Gange Plan
- Amrit Dharohar
- Jal Jeevan
Explanation: The Amrit Dharohar scheme was launched to promote unique conservation values of Ramsar Sites through community participation.
Which state hosts the Sasthamkotta Lake, a major freshwater Ramsar site utilized for drinking water?
- Karnataka state
- Kerala state
- Andhra Pradesh
- Tamil Nadu
Explanation: Sasthamkotta is the largest freshwater lake in Kerala and provides drinking water to the Kollam district.
Deepor Beel, the only designated Ramsar site in Assam, is a permanent freshwater lake near:
- Silchar town
- Dibrugarh city
- Tezpur town
- Guwahati city
Explanation: Deepor Beel is located to the south-west of Guwahati city and is a major staging site for migratory flyways.
Which Ramsar site in Gujarat was recently added as the 98th site in early 2026?
- Nalsarovar Lake
- Khijadia Sanctuary
- Thol Lake
- Chhari Dhand
Explanation: Chhari Dhand in Kutch, Gujarat, was added alongside Patna Bird Sanctuary (UP) to take India's tally to 98 before hitting 99.
The size of Wular Lake fluctuates dramatically based on the seasonal water discharge from the:
- Jhelum river
- Indus river
- Chenab river
- Ravi river
Explanation: The Jhelum river is the primary feeder for Wular Lake, causing its surface area to expand and contract heavily with the seasons.
As of April 2026, what is the total number of recognized Ramsar sites in India?
- One hundred sites
- Eighty two
- Seventy five
- Ninety nine
Explanation: India expanded its list significantly, reaching 99 Ramsar sites in April 2026 with the addition of the Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary.
Tso Kar, designated as a Ramsar site, is a highly saline, high-altitude wetland complex in:
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Himachal Pradesh
- Ladakh region
- Sikkim state
Explanation: The Tso Kar basin in Ladakh is a high-altitude wetland complex notable for its white salt efflorescence.
The foundational 'wise use' concept of the Ramsar Convention emphasizes wetland conservation alongside:
- Heavy industry
- Sustainable use
- Foreign tourism
- Complete ban
Explanation: The Convention defines 'wise use' as the maintenance of their ecological character, achieved through the implementation of sustainable development.
Under the Ramsar classification, coastal areas where water depth at low tide does not exceed how many meters are considered wetlands?
- Fifteen meters
- Three meters
- Ten meters
- Six meters
Explanation: The Ramsar definition of wetlands includes areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters.
Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary is a coastal Ramsar site situated in which state?
- Karnataka state
- Andhra Pradesh
- Kerala state
- Tamil Nadu
Explanation: Point Calimere is located along the Palk Strait in Tamil Nadu and is known for its dry evergreen forests and migratory flamingos.
The CEPA programme of the Ramsar Convention stands for Communication, Capacity building, Education, Participation, and:
- Public Awareness
- Policy Advocacy
- Private Action
- Poverty Alleviation
Explanation: The CEPA programme aims to raise Public Awareness regarding the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
Currently, Keoladeo National Park and which other Indian wetland remain on the Montreux Record?
- Vembanad Kol
- Kolleru Lake
- Loktak Lake
- Ashtamudi Wetland
Explanation: Loktak Lake in Manipur is on the Montreux Record due to ecological problems caused by deforestation and the Ithai Barrage.
Which organization partners officially with Ramsar to provide scientific data on global bird populations?
- BirdLife International
- WWF International
- UNEP Secretariat
- The IUCN Headquarters
Explanation: BirdLife International is one of the International Organization Partners (IOPs) of the Ramsar Convention, specializing in avian data.
Which Ramsar site in Punjab is a human-made wetland created by constructing a barrage over the Sutlej river?
- Harike Lake
- Kanjli Lake
- Ropar Wetland
- Beas Reserve
Explanation: The Ropar Wetland was formed by the construction of a barrage on the Sutlej river, creating a vital ecological zone for flora and fauna.
Surinsar-Mansar Lakes, designated as ecologically important Ramsar sites, are located in:
- Uttarakhand state
- Jammu and Kashmir
- Himachal Pradesh
- The Punjab province
Explanation: Surinsar and Mansar are twin lakes in Jammu and Kashmir linked by Hindu mythology and rich biodiversity.
Nanda Lake, added to the Ramsar list in 2022, serves as the very first Ramsar site for:
- Sikkim state
- Tripura state
- Manipur state
- Goa state
Explanation: Nanda Lake is Goa's first Ramsar wetland, known for its freshwater marshes adjacent to the Zuari river basin.
Rudrasagar Lake, a lowland sedimentation reservoir fed by three streams, is located in which northeastern state?
- Mizoram state
- Meghalaya state
- Tripura state
- Assam province
Explanation: Rudrasagar Lake is a Ramsar site in Tripura, also known for hosting the Neermahal (Water Palace) in its center.
The 99th Ramsar site added in 2026, Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary, is located in:
- Bihar province
- Gujarat state
- Rajasthan state
- Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: Shekha Jheel in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, became India's 99th Ramsar site, functioning as a crucial stopover on the Central Asian Flyway.
Which Ramsar site in Maharashtra is unique for being a saline, alkaline lake created by a meteor impact?
- Sambhar salt lake
- Wular wetland
- Lonar Lake
- Chilika lagoon
Explanation: Lonar Lake is a notified National Geo-heritage Monument created by a meteorite impact in the Deccan Plateau during the Pleistocene Epoch.
Which Indian water body was famously restored and subsequently removed from the Montreux Record in 2002?
- Wular Lake
- Chilika Lake
- Sambhar Salt Lake
- Loktak Lake
Explanation: Chilika Lake in Odisha was placed on the Montreux Record in 1993 due to siltation but was successfully restored and removed in 2002.
How often does the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP) to the Ramsar Convention typically meet?
- Twelve years
- Seven years
- Fifteen years
- Three years
Explanation: The COP is the policy-making organ of the Convention and meets every three years to review progress and adopt resolutions.
What is the primary natural source of water for Rajasthan's Sambhar Salt Lake?
- Seasonal rivers
- Glacial melt
- Ocean backwater
- Deep aquifers
Explanation: Sambhar Lake is an endorheic basin fed by several seasonal rivers like Mendha and Rupangarh, receiving no water from the ocean.
Asan Conservation Reserve, located on the banks of the Yamuna river, is the first Ramsar site of:
- Himachal Pradesh
- Jammu Kashmir
- Punjab province
- Uttarakhand
Explanation: Asan Conservation Reserve became Uttarakhand's first Ramsar site in 2020, hosting crucial wintering bird populations.
Ashtamudi Wetland, a naturally deep estuarine system, is situated in which state?
- Tamil Nadu
- Andhra Pradesh
- Kerala state
- Karnataka state
Explanation: Ashtamudi Wetland is located in the Kollam district of Kerala and is known for its palm-shaped backwater ecosystem.
Which Ramsar site in Odisha is a notable freshwater oxbow lake formed by the meandering Mahanadi river?
- Chilika lagoon
- Tampara Lake
- Hirakud Dam
- Ansupa Lake
Explanation: Ansupa Lake is a prominent oxbow lake in Odisha, designated as a Ramsar site for its rich freshwater ecology.
Which International Organization Partner (IOP) of Ramsar focuses globally on wetland-dependent ecosystems and waterbirds?
- Global Green
- United Nations
- Wetlands Int
- Wildlife Fund
Explanation: Wetlands International is a key global non-profit partner providing scientific advice and data to the Ramsar Convention.
February 2 is celebrated globally to commemorate the signing of the Ramsar Convention as:
- Global Conservation Day
- World Wetlands Day
- Earth Day
- World Water Day
Explanation: World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on February 2nd to raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands.
Which Ramsar site serves as a vital wintering ground for the critically endangered Siberian Crane in India?
- Sultanpur Park
- Harike Wetland
- Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary
- Keoladeo National Park
Explanation: Keoladeo in Rajasthan is a crucial man-made wetland that historically served as the main wintering site for Siberian Cranes.
Which is the largest Ramsar site in India by surface area?
- Gulf of Mannar
- Sundarbans Wetland
- Chilika Lake
- Vembanad Kol
Explanation: The Sundarbans Wetland in West Bengal is the largest Ramsar site in India, covering over 4,000 square kilometers.
The only recognized Ramsar site in the state of Jharkhand is the bird sanctuary at:
- Kabartal lake
- Rudrasagar lake
- Deepor beel
- Udhwa Lake
Explanation: Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary is the only Ramsar site in Jharkhand, consisting of two interconnected lakes, Patauda and Berhale.
Kabartal Wetland, an important stopover in the Central Asian Flyway, is the first Ramsar site of:
- Uttarakhand
- Jharkhand state
- Chhattisgarh
- Bihar state
Explanation: Kabartal Wetland, also known as Kanwar Jheel, was designated as Bihar's first Ramsar site in 2020.
Which Ramsar site in India is famous for the unique 'Phumdis' (circular floating islands)?
- Chilika Lake
- Deepor Beel
- Loktak Lake
- Wular Lake
Explanation: Loktak Lake is famous for Phumdis, which are heterogeneous masses of vegetation, soil, and organic matter in different stages of decay.
Thane Creek is famously known for congregating large wintering populations of which specific bird species?
- Spot billed ducks
- Sarus crane species
- Greater Flamingos
- Great white pelicans
Explanation: Thane Creek in Maharashtra is a globally significant wintering ground for Greater and Lesser Flamingos.
Which international register specifically lists Ramsar sites facing severe ecological changes due to human interference?
- Montreux Record
- Red Data Book
- Heritage Register
- IUCN Red List
Explanation: The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur.
Which state's first Ramsar site is the Nandur Madhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary, formed by a dam on the Godavari river?
- Gujarat state
- Madhya Pradesh
- Uttar Pradesh
- Maharashtra
Explanation: Nandur Madhmeshwar became Maharashtra's first Ramsar site, often referred to as the 'Bharatpur of Maharashtra'.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, the largest bird sanctuary in its state, is located on the banks of the:
- Godavari river
- Cauvery river
- Narmada river
- Krishna river
Explanation: Ranganathittu is located in Karnataka on the banks of the Cauvery river and was designated a Ramsar site in 2022.
Pala Wetland, the largest natural lake in its respective northeastern state, is located in:
- Nagaland
- Mizoram
- Arunachal
- Meghalaya
Explanation: Palak Dil (Pala Wetland) is the largest natural lake in Mizoram and supports the globally threatened Hoolock Gibbon.
Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest natural floodplain wetland in which specific region of Uttar Pradesh?
- Bundelkhand
- Eastern UP
- Rohilkhand
- Western UP
Explanation: Bakhira is located in the Sant Kabir Nagar district, serving as a massive floodplain wetland in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Which Ramsar site is renowned as the largest brackish water lagoon in India?
- Pulicat Lake
- Chilika Lake
- Vembanad Kol
- Ashtamudi Lake
Explanation: Chilika Lake in Odisha is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest brackish water lagoon in the world.
Hirakud Reservoir in Odisha provides vital wintering grounds for thousands of birds migrating via the:
- Pacific Americas
- East Australasian
- Black Sea
- Central Asian
Explanation: The vast Hirakud reservoir lies on the Central Asian Flyway, making it a critical wintering habitat for migratory waterfowl.
Which Ramsar site in Rajasthan holds the distinction of being India's largest inland salt lake?
- Didwana Lake
- Lunkaransar
- Pachpadra
- Sambhar Lake
Explanation: Sambhar Lake is the largest inland salt lake in India, crucial for both salt production and flamingo populations.
Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest, one of the last remaining natural wetlands of Chennai, is in:
- Kerala state
- Karnataka state
- Tamil Nadu
- Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: The Pallikaranai Marsh is a vital urban wetland in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, playing a crucial role in flood mitigation.
Which Indian state currently holds the highest number of designated Ramsar sites?
- Madhya Pradesh
- Uttar Pradesh
- Tamil Nadu
- Maharashtra state
Explanation: Tamil Nadu leads the country with the highest number of Ramsar sites, protecting a vast network of bird sanctuaries and mangroves.
Under the Ramsar Criteria, which criterion specifically identifies wetlands supporting vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered species?
- Criterion seven
- Criterion four
- Criterion two
- Criterion eight
Explanation: Criterion 2 of the Ramsar Convention is triggered when a wetland supports threatened ecological communities or vulnerable/endangered species.
What is the primary focus of the Ramsar Convention signed internationally in 1971?
- Wetland protection
- Forest conservation
- Desertification control
- Glacier preservation
Explanation: The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, aiming to halt their worldwide loss.
Harike Wetland, a major Ramsar site, is situated at the confluence of the Beas and which other river?
- Jhelum river
- Sutlej river
- The Chenab river
- Ravi river
Explanation: Harike Wetland in Punjab is formed by the confluence of the Beas and Sutlej rivers.