Which of the following is the largest lagoon in India by surface area?

Introduction / Context:

Lagoons are shallow coastal water bodies separated from the sea by sandbars, spits, or barrier islands. India has several important lagoons that serve as habitats for birds and fish and support local fisheries and tourism. This question asks you to identify which of the listed lagoons is the largest in India by surface area, an often tested fact in Indian physical geography and environment sections.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The options are Vembanad lagoon, Chilka lagoon, Pulicat lagoon, and Kolleru.
• We are comparing surface area to determine which lagoon is largest.
• Chilka lagoon is located in the state of Odisha and partly in Andhra Pradesh.
• Vembanad, Pulicat, and Kolleru are also important water bodies but have smaller surface areas compared to Chilka.

Concept / Approach:

The concept is that Chilka lagoon, often called Chilika Lake in English texts, is widely recognised as the largest coastal lagoon in India and one of the largest in the world. It is a brackish water lagoon connected to the Bay of Bengal and is famous for migratory birds and rich biodiversity. Although Vembanad and Pulicat are also large, they do not exceed the total surface area of Chilka. Kolleru is primarily a freshwater lake, not a coastal lagoon, and hence does not compete with Chilka in this category.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Verification can be done by checking official wetland records and geography texts, which consistently describe Chilka lagoon as the largest lagoon in India. It is often mentioned as a Ramsar site of international importance, with a large area that fluctuates seasonally. Comparative charts of major lakes and lagoons also show Chilka with the greatest surface area among Indian lagoons. This confirms that Chilka lagoon is the correct choice over the other options.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:

Some students confuse lakes and lagoons or rely on regional familiarity, choosing Vembanad or Pulicat because they have heard more about them locally. Others see Kolleru on lists of large lakes and assume it must be the largest lagoon as well. To avoid these mistakes, it is important to distinguish between freshwater lakes and coastal lagoons and to memorise that Chilka lagoon in Odisha holds the title of India's largest lagoon by area.

Final Answer:

The largest lagoon in India by surface area is Chilka lagoon.