Ansupa Lake
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Overview
Ansupa is a freshwater oxbow lake in Cuttack district of Odisha, formed by the Mahanadi when the river shifted course. It is shaped like a horseshoe and lies against the Saranda hills.
The lake supports fish, aquatic plants and resident and migratory birds, and is a local tourism spot. It was declared a Ramsar site in 2021.
Silt from surrounding slopes and spreading weeds have reduced its open water, and desilting and catchment treatment have been taken up to restore it.
Geography and key facts
- Oxbow lake of the Mahanadi, Cuttack district, Odisha
- Freshwater, horseshoe-shaped
- Habitat for fish and waterbirds
- Ramsar site (2021)
Why it matters for UPSC
A good example of an oxbow lake – a landform question favourite. Pair it with Odisha's other Ramsar sites such as Chilika and Bhitarkanika.
Note for UPSC
Ramsar site (wetland of international importance), Odisha.
Ramsar sites come up as wetland–state pairs and in questions on conservation status.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Ansupa Lake yet.
Key facts
- Type
- Ramsar site
- State / UT
- Odisha
- Coordinates
- 20.459°N, 85.604°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
- Forests, Wetlands, Mangroves and Coral Reefs (map lesson)