Rann of Kutch — UPSC Prelims PYQ 2023 (sea level falls, marshland)

Which one of the following is the best example of repeated falls in sea level, giving rise to present-day extensive marshland?

Bhitarkanika Mangroves
Marakkanam Salt Pans
Naupada Swamp
Rann of Kutch

Explanation

Rann of Kutch is correct

The Rann of Kutch area was once a sprawling shallow of the Arabian Sea until a constant geological shift closed off the connection with the sea. Over the years, the region eventually became a seasonal marshy salt desert. During monsoons, the marsh fills up with water, and in the summers, the water dries to create a crunchy, white, salty bed of land.

Map of India's coastline highlighting four major coastal regions: Konkan Coast and Malabar Coast along Arabian Sea, and Utkal Coast and Coromandal Coast along Bay of Bengal. Color-coded labels indicate coastline types—submergence in pink, emergence in green—with key locations like Rann of Kutch, Chilka Lake, and Pulicat Lake marked for geographic context

Marakkanam Salt Pans is incorrect

The Marakkanam salt pans are spread over an area of 4,000 acres and are one of the largest producers of salt in Tamil Nadu (Tamil Nadu is the second largest producer of salt in India, next to Gujarat).

Naupada Swamp is incorrect

Naupada Swamp is located in Andhra Pradesh. It serves as an important habitat for diverse bird species, such as the spot-billed pelican (Pelicanus philippensis). The wetland gained attention due to considerable worry surrounding a nematode infestation affecting its ecosystem.

Bhitarkanika Mangroves is incorrect

The mangroves of Bhitarkanika (Orissa), which are the second largest in the Indian sub-continent, harbour a high concentration of typical mangrove species and high genetic diversity. The Bhitarkanika Mangroves have the highest density of Saltwater Crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) in the country. Gahirmatha beach, located in the Bhirtarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, supports the largest known nesting ground of olive ridley turtle in the world.