Answer: Bihar
Notes: Kanwar Lake (Kabartal), Asia’s largest freshwater oxbow lake in Bihar, is rapidly drying up in early March, which is alarming for its ecosystem. Despite its ecological significance, the Bihar government has not sanctioned its restoration plan, showing apathy toward saving this vital wetland. The lake is also known as Kabartal Jheel and is a rainfed water body. It was formed as a residual oxbow lake due to the meandering of the Gandak River, a tributary of the Ganga. It covers a large area of the Indo-Gangetic plains in northern Bihar and plays a crucial role in maintaining regional biodiversity. The wetland serves as an important stopover for 58 migratory bird species along the Central Asian Flyway, where birds rest and refuel during migration. It is also a valuable site for fish biodiversity, with over 50 species documented, making it a crucial habitat for aquatic life.
