UPSC Current Affairs
SAMBHAR SEES HUGE SURGE IN MIGRATORY BIRDS
Why in News India’s largest inland saltwater lake, Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan), has recorded a remarkable 40% increase in migratory bird arrivals this winter compared to last year. The surge coincides with the highest water levels in five decades, creating ideal ecological conditions for waterbirds and flamingos. ABOUT SAMBHAR LAKE CURRENT OBSERVATION (WINTER 2025-26) KEY DRIVERS OF SURGE Exceptional monsoon rains (2025) replenished the lake basin.
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Why in News India’s largest inland saltwater lake, Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan), has recorded a remarkable 40% increase in migratory bird arrivals this winter compared to last year. The surge coincides with the highest water levels in five decades, creating ideal ecological conditions for waterbirds and flamingos. ABOUT SAMBHAR LAKE CURRENT OBSERVATION (WINTER 2025-26) KEY DRIVERS OF SURGE Exceptional monsoon rains (2025) replenished the lake basin.
Why in News
- India’s largest inland saltwater lake, Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan), has recorded a remarkable 40% increase in migratory bird arrivals this winter compared to last year.
- The surge coincides with the highest water levels in five decades, creating ideal ecological conditions for waterbirds and flamingos.
ABOUT SAMBHAR LAKE
CURRENT OBSERVATION (WINTER 2025-26)
KEY DRIVERS OF SURGE
- Exceptional monsoon rains (2025) replenished the lake basin.
- High water levels (highest in 50 years) supported abundant algae, plankton, and invertebrates — rich feeding grounds for migratory birds.
- Improved wetland ecology following reduced industrial discharge during the last season.
MIGRATION & ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE
CONCERNS: BIRD CASUALTIES REPORTED
- A few bird deaths and weakness symptoms reported near Khakharki village (Nagaur district side).
- Rescue operations initiated by the Forest and Animal Husbandry Departments.
- Samples sent to the Central Avian Research Institute, Bareilly for testing.
Preliminary Suspicions:
- Avian Botulism — though experts say risk is low this year due to high water levels and minimal stagnation.
WHAT IS AVIAN BOTULISM?
- Prelims: Key facts, institutions, locations and terminology in the article.
- Mains: Connect the topic with Environment, Economy, Polity & Governance.
- Revision: Use the article headings to prepare concise notes and answer-writing points.
Test your understanding
Questions from this article
Prelims practiceWith reference to SAMBHAR SEES HUGE SURGE IN MIGRATORY BIRDS, consider the following statements:
- India’s largest inland saltwater lake, Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan), has recorded a remarkable 40% increase in migratory bird arrivals this winter compared to last year.
- The surge coincides with the highest water levels in five decades, creating ideal ecological conditions for waterbirds and flamingos.
- Exceptional monsoon rains (2025) replenished the lake basin.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
View answer
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3. All three statements are drawn from the article.
Mains practiceDiscuss the background, key issues and significance of SAMBHAR SEES HUGE SURGE IN MIGRATORY BIRDS for India.
Answer in 250 words.
View answer approach
- ABOUT SAMBHAR LAKE
- CURRENT OBSERVATION (WINTER 2025-26)
- KEY DRIVERS OF SURGE
- MIGRATION & ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE
- CONCERNS: BIRD CASUALTIES REPORTED
Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions
Why is Sambhar Sees Huge Surge In Migratory Birds in the news?
Why in News India’s largest inland saltwater lake, Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan), has recorded a remarkable 40% increase in migratory bird arrivals this winter compared to last year. The surge coincides with the highest water levels in five decades, creating ideal ecological conditions for waterbirds and flamingos.
What are the key facts about Sambhar Sees Huge Surge In Migratory Birds?
ABOUT SAMBHAR LAKE CURRENT OBSERVATION (WINTER 2025-26) KEY DRIVERS OF SURGE Exceptional monsoon rains (2025) replenished the lake basin. High water levels (highest in 50 years) supported abundant algae, plankton, and invertebrates — rich feeding grounds for migratory birds. Improved wetland ecology following reduced industrial discharge during the last season.
Why is Sambhar Sees Huge Surge In Migratory Birds important for UPSC preparation?
The topic connects current developments with Environment, Economy, Polity & Governance and is relevant for both objective revision and analytical answer writing.