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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ashtamudi Lake
Why in the News?
Several dead fish are floating on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake in Kerala due to illegal use of ‘thotta’ (explosives) and ‘nanchu’ (poisons) for fishing.
About Ashtamudi Lake:
| Details | |
| About | • Brackish-water estuarine lake, located in Kerala, covering 5,700 hectares. • Designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in 2002. |
| Geographical Features | • Encompasses 8 channels (arms) connecting to the lake, giving it the name “Ashtamudi.” (gateway to the backwaters of Kerala) • Second largest lake in Kerala (first being the Vembanad Lake), drains into the sea via Neendakara estuary. • Kallada River is the main water source for the lake. • Historical significance as a major port city of Quilon, as recorded by Ibn Battuta. |
| Flora and Fauna | • Mangrove species: Avicennia officinalis, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Sonneratia caseolaris. • Endangered species: Syzygium travancoricum and Calamus rotang. • 57 species of avifauna, including 6 migratory species and 51 resident species. • In 2014, the Clam Governing Council became the first Marine Stewardship Council certified fishery in India for their sustainable clam fishing. |
PYQ:[2018] Which one of the following is an artificial lake? (a) Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu) (b) Kolleru (Andhra Pradesh) (c) Nainital (Uttarakhand) (d) Renuka (Himachal Pradesh) |
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