This has not only strengthened the state's biodiversity but also bolstered environmental conservation efforts across the entire country. So far, 178 bird species and 252 plant species have been recorded in the sanctuary.
UP Tourism and Culture Minister Jayveer Singh said here on Monday that the Uttar Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board is continuously working towards the conservation of wetlands and the improvement of tourist facilities.
With winter setting in and temperatures dipping to around 15°C in West Burdwan district, migratory birds have begun arriving in the region’s wetlands.
The birds, who flew into the water bodies from places as far off as Siberia, Afghanistan, Iran ,Iraq, Himalayan region, have been leaving in batches almost every day.
He visited Pong Dam on Sunday and also toured the ancient temples at the famous tourist site, Bathu-Ki-Lari.
The water bodies at Koikala, Haripal, are now teeming with activity as migratory birds arrive. The Bolod badh Jhill (lake) is the main centre of activity for these avian visitors.
Ahiran Lake, once a thriving winter haven for migratory birds and a magnet for nature enthusiasts, is grappling with a dramatic drop in bird populations this season.
Over 550,000 migratory birds have been spotted this spring in the four wetland nature reserves in China's Tianjin Municipality, local authorities said.
The annual bird census, undertaken in the brackish water lagoon yesterday, put the count to 10,93,049 migratory birds of 105 different species. There has been an increase of 56,829 birds this time. Last year, 10, 36, 220 birds of 107 species were sighted.
The birds fly thousands of miles to reach Bhitarakanika to escape the harsh winter in the Himalayan region. They would stay there for about four months before flying back to where they come from.
