Bhojtal (Upper Lake)
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Overview
Bhojtal, or the Upper Lake, is a large man-made lake in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Tradition credits its creation to the Paramara king Raja Bhoj in the eleventh century, by damming the Kolans river.
It is a major source of drinking water for the city. With the Lower Lake, it forms the Bhoj Wetland, a Ramsar site since 2002.
The Bhoj Wetland project, supported by external funding in the 1990s, is often quoted as an early lake-conservation effort in India.
Geography and key facts
- Man-made lake, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- Attributed to Paramara king Raja Bhoj (11th century)
- Part of the Bhoj Wetland Ramsar site (2002)
- Major drinking-water source for Bhopal
Why it matters for UPSC
Bhopal is called the 'City of Lakes'. Remember Bhoj Wetland as Madhya Pradesh's oldest Ramsar site.
Note for UPSC
Bhopal; built by Raja Bhoj; part of the Bhoj Wetland Ramsar site.
Expect questions on the type of lake (lagoon, freshwater, saline), its state and any Ramsar status.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Bhojtal (Upper Lake) yet.
Key facts
- Type
- Lake / lagoon
- State / UT
- Madhya Pradesh
- Coordinates
- 23.250°N, 77.340°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
- Forests, Wetlands, Mangroves and Coral Reefs (map lesson)