If you want to see gharials in their natural habitat, which one of the following is the best place to visit?

1. Bhitarkanika Mangroves
2. Chambal River
3. Pulicat Lake
4. Deepor Beel

Explanation

Option (b) is correct

• Gharials, sometimes called gavials, are a type of Asian crocodilian distinguished by their long, thin snouts.
• Distribution: The only viable population in the National Chambal Sanctuary is spread across the states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh in India. Small non-breeding populations exist in Son, Gandak, Hoogly and Ghagra rivers.
• Habitat: Clean rivers with sand banks (Fresh Water).
• Conservation Status: IUCN: Critically Endangered | WPA, 1972: Schedule-I
• Threats: The combined effects of dams, barrages, artificial embankments, changes in river course, pollution, sand-mining, riparian agriculture and ingress of domestic and feral livestock.

• and Sammitiya were sects of early Buddhism.

Option (a) is incorrect

• The mangroves of Bhitarkanika (Orissa), the second largest in India, harbour a high concentration of typical mangrove species and high genetic diversity. They cover the area of Brahmani and Baitarani River deltas.

Option (c) is incorrect

• The Pulicat Lake, the second largest brackish water lagoon in India after Chilika, sprawling across Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Option (d) is incorrect

• It is a permanent freshwater lake in a former channel of the Brahmaputra River. It is a few kilometres to the left of Guwahati, whereas Pobitora WLS is around 35 km to the right.
• Threats: over-fishing, hunting, pollution from pesticides, and infestation by water hyacinth.
• Endangered Avifauna: Grey Pelican or Spot-billed pelican (VU), Lesser Adjutant Stork (VU), Greater Adjutant Stork (EN), Baer’s Pochard (CR).

Answer: (b) Chambal River; Difficulty Level: Easy