Question

Which of the following statements about Littoral and Swamp Forests are true?

1. About 70% of India’s wetland areas are under paddy cultivation.

2. Chilika Lake and Keoladeo National Park are protected under the Ramsar Convention.

3. Mangrove forests cover 10% of the world’s mangrove forests.

• A. 1 and 2
• B. 1 and 3
• C. 2 and 3
• D. 1, 2, and 3

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1 and 2

Wetland Ecosystems and Forest Cover in India

• Statement 1: Paddy Cultivation and Wetlands
  • Approximately 70% of India's wetland areas are utilized for paddy cultivation. This highlights the significant role of wetlands in agriculture, particularly for rice production.
  • Wetlands, in general, are crucial for biodiversity, water purification, and flood control. Their conversion for agricultural purposes, while important for food security, can impact these ecological functions.
• Statement 2: Ramsar Convention and Protected Wetlands
  • Chilika Lake in Odisha and Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan are indeed recognized and protected under the Ramsar Convention.
  • The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty signed on 2 February 1971 by UNESCO. It aims to promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
  • Chilika Lake is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest in the world, known for its rich biodiversity and migratory birds.
  • Keoladeo National Park (formerly Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant bird habitat.
• Statement 3: Mangrove Forest Coverage
  • This statement is incorrect. Mangrove forests in India constitute a much smaller percentage of the world's total mangrove cover.
  • India has about 4,992 square kilometers of mangrove cover, which is approximately 3% of the world's total mangrove area.
  • The Sundarbans, shared between India and Bangladesh, is the largest mangrove forest in the world.
  • Mangrove ecosystems are vital coastal barriers, nurseries for marine life, and effective carbon sinks.

Key Indian Wetland and Forest Facts for Exams

• Wetland (Ramsar) Sites in India: India has numerous Ramsar sites, and candidates should be aware of prominent ones like Vembanad Kol Wetland (Kerala), Ashtamudi Wetland (Kerala), Sasthamcotta Lake (Kerala), Wular Lake (Jammu & Kashmir), and Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan).
• Mangrove Forests in India: The distribution of mangroves is primarily along the east and west coasts, with West Bengal (Sundarbans) having the largest area, followed by Gujarat and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• Importance of Forest Types: Understanding different forest types in India, including littoral and swamp forests, their geographical distribution, and ecological significance is essential for competitive exams.