Pangong Tso

Why in news?

• There was a face-off between Indian and Chinese soldiers near the Pangong Tso lake.

About the Lake:

• Pangong Tso also referred to as Pangong Lake, is a lake in the Himalayas.
• It is situated at a height of about 4,350 m.
• It is 134 km (83 mi) long and extends from India to the Tibet, China. Nearly 60% of the length of the lake lies within the Tibetan Autonomous Region.
• The Line of Actual Control passes through this lake.
• During winter the lake freezes completely, despite being saline water.
• It is world's highest salt water lake.
• It is not a part of the Indus river basin area and geographically is a separate landlocked river basin.
• The lake acts as an important breeding ground for a variety of birds including the Bar-headed goose and Brahmini duck.
• It is not a Ramsar site.

Prelims Question:

Consider the following statements regarding Pangong Tso lake:
1.Line of Actual Control between India and China passes through this lake.
2.It is a part of the Indus river basin area.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to prelims question