Assan Barrage Bird Sanctuary, situated at a distance of about 41.9 kilometres from Dehradun in Uttarakhand, is a haven of birds. It was established in the year 1967 after the formation of Assan Barrage at the convergence of rivers Yamuna and Asan through Dhalipur power house. Spanning over an area of 4 square kilometres the place serves as a cherished tourist destination and nurtures both native as well as migratory birds. The water level of Assan Barrage often reduces which leads to the formation of muddy islands in the middle attracting a number of gorgeous marsh loving birds. Assan Barrage is also popular as Dhalipur Lake and hugely invites ornithologists, bird watchers and naturalists. A nature walk amid the pristine Sal forest is another attraction in the sanctuary.
Geography of Assan Barrage Bird Sanctuary
Assan Barrage Bird Sanctuary cherishes a pleasant climate where the temperature ranges from 30 to 14 degree Celsius during summer. It varies from 21 to 2 degree Celsius in winters. The place experiences monsoon from June to September and the average rainfall has been recorded to be 250 centimetres.
Avifauna of Assan Barrage Bird Sanctuary
Assan Barrage Bird Sanctuary is famed for inviting a number of migratory birds during winters. Migrants from Eurasia also grace the sanctuary. Some of the common species which arrive in the sanctuary enlist Pond Heron, Wagtails, Egrets, Cormorant, Coot, Mallard, Shoveller and many more. During winters most of the water bird population constitute migratory ones such as Tufted Duck, Red Crested Pochard, Pintail, Gadwall, Common Teal, Common Pochard, Brahminy Duck etc. Globally threatened species of birds are also sheltered in the enchanting wilderness of the sanctuary.
Assan Barrage Bird Sanctuary also forms the winter passage halt for the trans-Himalayan migratory birds which hail towards the southern India, particularly in the months of October and November. They can be traced again during late February and March on their way back. Towards the October end the sanctuary shelters migratory birds from pale Arctic region.
Flora of Assan Barrage Bird Sanctuary
Assan Barrage Bird Sanctuary hosts a variety of aquatic vegetation which mainly comprises Hornwort, Elephant Grass, Fennel Pondweed, Water Hyacinth and others. West Indian Lantana, Miniature Beefsteak, Heartleaf, Stone Breaker, Shy-Leaf, Knotweed, Prickly Chaff Flower, Touch-Me-Not, Morning Glory, False Daisy, Cocklebur constitutes the surrounding bushes. Mixed forest lies towards the south of the sanctuary which comprises mainly Cotton Tree, Sheesham Tree, Indian Ash Tree, Dhaora Tree, Sal Tree and others.
Visiting Information
Assan Barrage Bird Sanctuary is best visited during winters. The place is well connected with major cities through roadways, railways and airways. Dehradun is the nearest town from where the sanctuary can be reached via road. Jolly Grant in Dehradun is the nearest airport while Dehradun is the nearest railhead. State and private busses can be availed to reach the destination. The birding season in the sanctuary remains from October to April. It also offers the visitor an opportunity to get acquainted about the vegetation and environment. The Ashoka`s pillar nearby, constructed in 450 AD, also serves as tourist attraction which represents the post-warfare era during which King Ashoka converted to Buddhism.
