Which is the largest inland saltwater lake in India?

Appeared in: CGHS SSC - 2018

Explanation

Sambhar Lake, situated in Rajasthan, is officially recognized as India's largest inland saltwater lake.
It serves as a significant source for salt production in the country.
The question's use of the term 'inland' is a key differentiator, separating it from coastal water bodies.
It is also a Ramsar site, which designates it as a wetland of international importance, particularly as waterfowl habitat.

Option A: Devtal Lake is a high-altitude freshwater lake located in the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand. It is not a saltwater lake.
Option B: Pushkar Lake, located in Rajasthan, is a sacred freshwater lake. It is known for its religious significance and ghats, not for being saline.
Option C: Lonar Lake in Maharashtra is a saline and alkaline lake, but it is not the largest in India. Its primary claim to fame is its origin as a crater formed by a meteorite impact.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Major Lakes in India as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This is a general knowledge question. Understanding the geography of major water bodies is important for context in public health, especially regarding water sources, mineral content (like iodine from salt), and local economies.
The salinity of water sources can have health implications. For example, communities around Sambhar Lake have economies based on salt production.
What if? If the question had asked for the largest 'brackish water lagoon' instead of 'inland saltwater lake', the correct answer would have been Chilika Lake in Odisha.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key descriptors in the question: 'largest', 'inland', and 'saltwater'.
Evaluate each option against these three specific criteria.
Eliminate options that do not fit the 'saltwater' criterion. Devtal Lake and Pushkar Lake are both freshwater lakes, so they can be ruled out.
Compare the remaining saltwater options. Both Lonar Lake and Sambhar Lake are saline, but the question asks for the 'largest'.
Based on general geographical knowledge, recall or determine that Sambhar Lake is significantly larger than Lonar Lake.
Confirm the final choice. Sambhar Lake fits all criteria: it is the largest, it is inland (not coastal), and it is a saltwater lake.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full CGHS SSC - 2018

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.