KANWAR LAKE - GEOGRAPHY
News: Begusarai’s Kanwar lake | Once
a migratory bird paradise, now struggles for survival
What's in the news?
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Kanwar Lake, formerly a haven for migratory birds, is now facing a battle
for survival.
Kanwar Lake:
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Kanwar Lake, also known as Kabartal jheel, is Asia’s largest freshwater oxbow lake
situated in Bihar.
Formation:
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It is a rainfed lake formed as a residual oxbow
lake due to the meandering of the Gandak
river, a tributary of the Ganga.
Geographic Coverage:
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Kanwar Lake covers a significant portion of the
Indo-Gangetic plains in northern Bihar.
Ecological Importance:
1. Migratory Stopover:
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It serves as a crucial stopover along the Central Asian Flyway, hosting 58
migratory waterbirds for resting and refueling.
2. Biodiversity:
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The lake supports a diverse fish biodiversity,
documented to have over 50 species.
3. Endangered Species:
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Five critically endangered species, including three
vulture species and two waterbirds, inhabit the site.
Threats:
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Major threats to Kanwar Lake include water
management activities such as drainage, water abstraction, damming, and
canalization.
Go back to basics:
Oxbow Lake:
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An oxbow lake is a curved lake formed alongside a
winding river as a result of erosion and sediment deposition over time.
Characteristics:
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These lakes typically have a crescent shape and are
commonly found in floodplains and low-lying areas near rivers.