Question map
Which one of the following is the largest fresh water lake in India ?
Explanation
Wular Lake, located in the Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir, is recognized as the largest freshwater lake in India [2]. Unlike many other Himalayan lakes that are of glacial origin, Wular Lake was formed as a result of tectonic activity during the Pleistocene period [2]. It is primarily fed by the Jhelum River and serves as a natural reservoir [2]. While Chilika Lake is the largest coastal lagoon and saltwater lake in India [4], and Vembanad is the longest lake [2], Wular remains the largest natural freshwater body. Other significant freshwater lakes include Loktak Lake in Manipur, known for its floating phumdis, and Dal Lake in Srinagar, often called the 'Jewel in the crown of Kashmir' [1]. Wular's size varies seasonally, typically ranging from 30 to 250 square kilometers [2].
Sources
- [1] CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I ,Geography, Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Drainage > LAKES > p. 22
- [2] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > Wular Lake > p. 32
- [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > Chilka Lake (Chilika Lake) > p. 29
- [4] CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I ,Geography, Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Physical Features of India > The Coastal Plains > p. 13