It is a long narrow, deep, endorheic (landlocked) lake situated at a height of more than 14,000 ft in the Himalayas. It is known for its very high phosphate concentrations. It is also known as “High Grassland Lake”. The Line of Actual Control passes through the lake. Recently, a brief scuffle between Indian and Chinese troops took place near it. Which of the following lakes has been described above?

• A. Pong Dam Lake
• B. Pangong Tso Lake
• C. Sheshnag Lake
• D. Tsongmo Lake

Answer: (B)

Pangong Tso Lake is also known as “high grassland lake”. It is a long narrow, deep, endorheic (landlocked) lake situated at a height of more than 14,000 ft in the Himalayas. Approximately 60% of the length of Pangong Lake lies in Tibet. The brackish water of Pangong Lake has very low micro-vegetation. The brackish water of Pangong Lake has very low micro-vegetation. The lake is in the process of being identified as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. It will be a first trans-boundary wetland in South Asia under convention. Pangong Lake is a disputed territory. The Line of Actual Control passes through the lake. A section of the lake 20 km from the Line of Actual Control is controlled by China but claimed by India. It is known for its very high phosphate concentrations. Though it’s a saline water lake, it freezes completely during winters.