RAS question
In which state/UT is Shallbugh Ramsar site located?
Correct answer: (B) J&K.
Shallbugh Wetland Conservation Reserve is a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance located in Jammu and Kashmir.
Explanation
The Ramsar Sites Information Service identifies Shallbugh as Shallbugh Wetland Conservation Reserve, Site number 2488, in India. The wetland lies in the administrative region of Jammu and Kashmir, specifically in Srinagar and Ganderbal districts. Its Ramsar status matters because the Ramsar Convention recognises wetlands of international importance; India also has 80+ Ramsar sites under the 1971 convention. Shallbugh's location links the named Ramsar site to Jammu and Kashmir as its correct state or Union Territory.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Assam is wrong because Shallbugh lies in the administrative region of Jammu and Kashmir, not in Assam.
- (C) MP is wrong because Shallbugh is associated with Srinagar and Ganderbal districts in Jammu and Kashmir, not Madhya Pradesh.
- (D) Tamil Nadu is wrong because Shallbugh is located in Jammu and Kashmir, so it cannot be a Tamil Nadu Ramsar site.
Concept
Environment and Ecology in RAS often uses Ramsar-site location mapping because wetlands are tied to biodiversity, conservation status and current environmental affairs. Precise site-to-state recall matters more here than generic knowledge of the Ramsar Convention.