Authentic Classroom Explanation by IAS Monk

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📍 The Question

Consider the following pairs:

Wetland / Lake	Location
1. Hokera Wetland	Punjab
2. Renuka Wetland	Himachal Pradesh
3. Rudrasagar Lake	Tripura
4. Sasthamkotta Lake	Tamil Nadu

How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) Only three pairs
(d) All four pairs

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✅ Correct Answer: (b) Only two pairs

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🎯 Theme of the Question

Indian Geography | Environment & Ecology | Wetlands | Ramsar-linked Locations

This is a pure location-based elimination question, frequently asked by UPSC using state–wetland mismatches.

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🧠 Classroom Explanation

Let us examine each pair carefully.

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🔹 Pair 1: Hokera Wetland — Punjab ❌

Hokera Wetland is located in:

• Kashmir Valley (Jammu & Kashmir)
• Near Srinagar
• Part of the northwest Himalayan biogeographic zone
• Important stopover for migratory birds

✔️ Hence, Pair 1 is incorrectly matched.

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🔹 Pair 2: Renuka Wetland — Himachal Pradesh ✅

Renuka Wetland:

• Located in Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh
• A natural freshwater wetland
• Associated with karst springs
• Culturally linked to the Renuka Temple

✔️ Pair 2 is correctly matched.

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🔹 Pair 3: Rudrasagar Lake — Tripura ✅

Rudrasagar Lake (also called Twijilikma):

• Located near Melaghar, Tripura
• A Ramsar Site
• One of the largest lakes in Northeast India
• Known for biodiversity and livelihood support

✔️ Pair 3 is correctly matched.

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🔹 Pair 4: Sasthamkotta Lake — Tamil Nadu ❌

Sasthamkotta Lake:

• Located in Kollam district, Kerala
• Largest freshwater lake in Kerala
• Also called “Queen of Lakes”

✔️ Hence, Pair 4 is incorrectly matched.

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📊 Final Assessment

Pair	Status
Hokera – Punjab	❌
Renuka – Himachal Pradesh	✅
Rudrasagar – Tripura	✅
Sasthamkotta – Tamil Nadu	❌

👉 Correctly matched pairs = 2

👉 Answer: (b)

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🧩 Memory Hook

“Hokera Kashmir, Sasthamkotta Kerala — don’t shift wetlands casually.”

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🧠 Prelims Strategy Insight

For wetland questions:

• Always verify state + region
• UPSC loves:
  • Kashmir–Punjab confusion
  • Kerala–Tamil Nadu traps
• Ramsar-linked sites are high-yield

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🧭 IAS Monk Whisper

Wetlands remember their land,
even when options try to misplace them.