Ramsar Sites in India: 10 Most Important GK Quiz Questions (Last 10 Years PYQs Included)

Ramsar sites are wetlands of “international importance” under the Ramsar Convention. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty adopted in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, to provide a global framework for the conservation, wise use, and management of wetlands and their natural resources. The Ramsar Convention recognises the critical role of wetlands in sustaining biodiversity and mitigating climate change. 

In this article, we have meticulously curated 10 important GK questions with answers on Ramsar sites in India. These questions are your best source for strengthening your preparation for competitive exams. These questions frequently appeared in the previous years’ UPSC question papers. Take this GK quiz to test your knowledge, learn about Ramsar sites and their importance, and boost your preparation with UPSC PYQs on wetlands and the Montreux Record.

Ramsar Sites in India: 10 Important GK Questions with Answers, Last 10 Years PYQs Included

Q1. With reference to a conservation organisation called ‘Wetlands International’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It is an intergovernmental organisation formed by the countries which are signatories to the Ramsar Convention.

2. It works at the field level to develop and mobilise knowledge and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies.

Select the correct answer using the code given below. [UPSC Civil Services Exam - 2014 Prelims]

1. 1 only

2. 2 only

3. Both 1 and 2

4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (b) 2 only

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because Wetlands International is not an intergovernmental organisation. It is a global, independent, not-for-profit organisation. Wetlands International was formed in 1937 as the International Wildfowl Inquiry. Whereas the Ramsar Convention was signed much later, in 1971.

Q2. According to the Ramsar Convention, when is World Wetlands Day celebrated?

1. 19th December

2. 5th January

3. 2nd January

4. 2nd February

Answer: (d) 2nd February

Explanation: World Wetlands Day is celebrated annually on 2nd February. This date commemorates the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands, which was signed in Ramsar, Iran, on 2 February 1971.

Q3. Consider the following statements:

1. Under the Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India. 

2. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010, were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendations of the Ramsar Convention.

3. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010, also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC Civil Services Exam - 2019 Prelims]

1. 1 and 2 only

2. 2 and 3 only

3. 3 only

4. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (c) 3 only

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The Ramsar Convention encourages the ‘wise use’ of all wetlands and protection of designated sites, but it does not mandate the legal protection of all wetlands within a nation’s territory.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010, were enacted independently by the Government of India under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, rather than based on the recommendations of the Ramsar Convention.

Q4. “If rainforests and tropical forests are the lungs of the Earth, then surely wetlands function as its kidneys.” Which one of the following functions of wetlands best reflects the above statement? [UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims] 

(a) The water cycle in wetlands involves surface runoff, subsoil percolation, and evaporation. 

(b) Algae form the nutrient base upon which fish, crustaceans, molluscs, birds, reptiles and mammals thrive. 

(c) Wetlands play a vital role in maintaining sedimentation balance and soil stabilisation. 

(d) Aquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients. 

Answer: (d) Aquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients. 

Explanation: Just as the human kidneys filter waste, toxins, and excess fluids from our blood and bodies. Similarly, wetlands act as a natural water filtration system for the landscape. 

Q5. Consider the following pairs:

How many pairs given above are correctly matched? [UPSC Civil Services Exam - 2022 Prelims]

1. Only one pair

2. Only two pairs

3. Only three pairs

4. All four pairs

Answer: (b) Only two pairs

Explanation: Only Pair 2 (Renuka Wetland in Himachal Pradesh) and Pair 3 (Rudrasagar Lake in Tripura) are correctly matched. Meanwhile, Hokera Wetland is located in the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir, and Sashthamkotta is the largest freshwater lake in Kerala.

Q6. Which Indian state has the highest number of Ramsar Sites?

1. Uttar Pradesh

2. Kerala

3. Punjab

4. Tamil Nadu

Answer: (d) Tamil Nadu

Explanation: Tamil Nadu has the highest number of Ramsar sites in India, with a total of 20 wetlands of international importance. The top five states with the most Ramsar sites include Tamil Nadu (20 sites), Uttar Pradesh (12 sites), Punjab (6 sites), Odisha (6 sites), and Bihar (6 sites).

Q7. Which is the smallest Ramsar site in India?

1. Renuka Wetland

2. Lonar Lake

3. Chandra Taal

4. Sur Sarovar

Answer: (a) Renuka Wetland

Explanation: The Renuka Wetland is the smallest Ramsar site, located in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh. It is a natural, high-altitude freshwater lake fed by subterranean springs.

Q8. Which Ramsar Site in India is the largest coastal lagoon?

1. Chilika Lake

2. Vembanad-Kol Wetland

3. Ashtamudi Wetland

4. Sambhar Lake

Answer: (a) Chilika Lake

Explanation: Chilika Lake in Odisha is a Ramsar site in India, which is the largest coastal lagoon in India. It is also the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia and the second-largest in the world. It was designated as a Ramsar site in 1981.

Q9. Which was the first Ramsar site in India?

1. Chilika Lake

2. Keoladeo National Park

3. Sambhar Lake

4. Both (a) and (b)

Answer: (d) Both (a) and (b)

Explanation: Chilika Lake in Odisha and Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan were designated as the first two Ramsar sites in India on 1 October 1981.

Q10. Consider the following statements regarding Ramsar sites and wetlands:

1. The Indian government’s definition of wetlands does not include river channels, paddy, fields, or other areas utilised for commercial purposes.

2. Every Ramsar site is a notified protected area under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only

2. 2 only

3. Both 1 and 2

4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a) 1 only

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The Indian government’s definition of wetlands does not include river channels, paddy, fields, or other areas utilised for commercial purposes.

Statement 2 is incorrect. Not every Ramsar site is a notified protected area under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.