Correct Option
Periyar Lake is an artificial freshwater lake situated inland in Kerala. It was created by the construction of the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River. Lagoons are typically shallow coastal water bodies separated from the sea by barriers like sandbars or barrier islands. Periyar Lake, being a man-made reservoir located away from the coast and containing freshwater, does not fit the definition of a lagoon.
Incorrect Options
- Ashtamudi Lake: Located in Kerala, Ashtamudi Lake is a large brackish water lagoon and an estuary system, connected to the Arabian Sea. It is a designated Ramsar site.
- Chilka Lake: Situated in Odisha, Chilka Lake is the largest brackish water lagoon in India and the second largest coastal lagoon in the world. It is connected to the Bay of Bengal and is a significant wetland of international importance.
- Pulicat Lake: Spanning the borders of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, Pulicat Lake is the second largest brackish water lagoon in India. It is a shallow coastal lagoon separated from the Bay of Bengal by Sriharikota island.