| Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary | |
|---|---|
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area) | |
   | |
 Interactive map of Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary | |
| Location | Sanand Village,Gujarat,India |
| Coordinates | 22°46′N72°02′E / 22.767°N 72.033°E /22.767; 72.033 |
| Area | 0.120 km2 |
| Official name | Nalsarovar |
| Designated | 24 September 2012 |
| Reference no. | 2078[1] |
Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, consisting primarily of a 120.82-square-kilometre (46.65 sq mi)lake and ambientmarshes, is situated about 64 km to the west ofAhmedabad near Sanand Village, in the Indian state ofGujarat. Mainly inhabited bymigratory birds inwinter andspring, it is the largestwetland birdsanctuary in Gujarat, and one of the largest in India. It was declared a bird sanctuary in April 1969.[2]
The lake attracts over 210 species of birds in the winter, and harbors a variety of plants, fish and animals. Besides a fewmammalian species including the endangeredwild ass and theblack buck, itsmigratory bird population includesrosy pelicans,flamingoes,white storks,brahminy ducks andherons. Thousands of migratorywaterfowl flock to this sanctuary just after the Indianmonsoon season. The shallow area and ponds on the outer fringes of the lake attract thewading birds that feed in the shallow waters. Millions of birds visit the bird sanctuary in winter and spring. It harbors over 250 species of wetland birds. Winter migrants from the north includingpurple moorhen,pelicans,lesser flamingos andgreater flamingos,white storks, four species ofbitterns,crakes,grebes, brahminy ducks(Ruddy shelduck) andherons visit Nal Sarovar. Between November and February, the lake is home to vast flocks of indigenous and migratory birds.Ducks,geese,pelicans andflamingos are best seen early in the morning and in the evening and the sanctuary is best visited as a day excursion by personal vehicle, taxi, as buses are infrequent and there is no convenient accommodation. Vehicles are available from parking to the lake site which is approx 1 km.[citation needed]
Hours for visiting the lake are 6 am to 5:30 pm. There is an entry fee per visitor and camera, however for boating one needs to negotiate with the local boatmen, though prescribed rates are mentioned at the gate. The best time to reach there is just before sunrise as the lake is calm and quiet with flock of birds waiting for their regular food. The water in the lake is about 4 feet deep.
Migrating shepherds populate the islands of the lake and on the banks are the Padhars, who arefolk dancers, artisans and boatmen. One can hire country boats on the lake for bird viewing, and picnic at shacks the on the islands.[citation needed]
The interpretation center, Abhiruchi Kendra, was developed at a cost of Rs. 42 lakhs including Rs. 15 lakhs for kiosks. So far 225 types of birds are recorded in Nal Sarovar area. 140 of them are water-birds and 70 of them are migratory. Out of these 70, only 25 to 30 are easily observed by the visitors and tourists. The interpretation center focuses on these 30 species. Some of the species areflamingo,pelican,egret,heron,ducks,cormorant,crane. Migratory birds' travel distance, place of origin, cross-section prototype of Nal Sarovar’s under water life are exhibited in the center. A reverse osmosis plant is also set up to offer pure drinking water to visitors.[3]
It was proposed as a "Ramsar Convention site – Wetland of International importance".[4][5]
Nalsarovar was declared as a Ramsar site on 24 September 2012.
