Two bird hides to come up at Sultanpur National Park
GURUGRAM: The Haryana wildlife department will set up two bird hides at Sultanpur National Park, 15 kilometres from the city by March-end. The announcement was made on Saturday, on the occasion of International Wetland Day at the park.
A bird hide is an enclosure that lets enthusiasts observe wildlife at close quarters. Officials said the initiative was taken to ensure that birds are not disturbed by the presence of birdwatchers and also an easy way to monitor the movement of the birds inside the enclosure.
The bird hides will be constructed 200 metres inside the lake, one at the Sardana, the eastern part of the lake, and the other at the Sultanpur, the western part of the lake. The initiative is in association with the Delhi Bird Club, officials said.
Vinod Kumar, additional principal chief conservator of forests said the hides will offer a vantage point to observe 130 species of birds, including migratory species, as well as wetland wildlife.
“This is the first time a bird hide is planned and Haryana will be the first in the country. Sultanpur lake helps recharge water in the region and has been attracting birds for the last few decades. The park is a perfect example of biodiversity,” said Kumar.
There are around 3,000 birds in the park, including 25 species of water birds. The park is spread across 352 acres.
State forests minister Rao Narbir Singh directed the officials to organise regular events at wet- lands to spread awareness about wildlife conservation and birds.
“We will provide a special opportunity for the public to enjoy birding and know more about a variety of birds at the wetland. Events will be organised at Najafgarh (Sahibi river basin), Basai wetland and wetlands in Jhajjar (Dhigal village), which, together, form a large ecosystem for migratory birds, besides the Sultanpur National park,” said Singh.
The department has trained villagers to work as guides. Officials said that they have also made arrangements to provide binoculars to the visitors.
“The park has a good turnout during the bird festival. The migratory bird species sighted in the park include white-tailed lapwing, green sandpiper, northern shoveler, northern pintail, mallard, Eurasian wigeon, common pochard and ferruginous duck, among other species. Our guides are well trained ,” Kumar said.