Which one of the following is an artificial lake?
- Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu)
- Kolleru (Andhra Pradesh)
- Nainital (Uttarakhand)
- Renuka (Himachal Pradesh)
Explanation
Option (a) is correct
- Kodaikanal Hills, known as the “Princess of Hill Stations” and a “Sky Island,” are facing degradation due to rampant tourism. Situated at an elevation of 2,225 meters, this plateau is home to the man-made Kodaikanal Lake, a central attraction for visitors.
Option (b) is incorrect
- Kolleru is a naturally eutrophic (nutrient-rich) lake between the Godavari and the Krishna river basins. It was previously a lagoon, but now it is several kilometres inland due to the coastline of emergence and delta formation. Two seasonal rivers directly feed it. It sustains both culture and capture fisheries, agriculture and related occupations.
- Threats: paddy cultivation, overexploitation, flooding in monsoon season, etc.
- Endangered Fauna: Grey Pelican/Spot-Billed Pelican (NT).
- It is an important wetland under the Ramsar Convention.
Option (c) is incorrect
- Nainital natural lake was formed due to tectonic movements. A natural depression was formed because of those movements and fresh streams from the nearby mountains and hills formed the present-day Naini Lake.
Option (d) is incorrect
- Renuka is a natural wetland with freshwater springs and inland subterranean karst formations.
