The state of Haryana is located in the northern part of India. This state is regarded as one of the most economically developed regions in South Asia. It"s geographical terrain is characterized by the Shivalik Hills, Aravali Range, Yamuna- Ghagger plain, semi desert sandy plain and rivers. The geographical features of this state along with wildlife sanctuaries, forests and flora and fauna are capable of attracting tourists here. Haryana also has sanctuaries providing shelter to birds. These sanctuaries are described below.
Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary
Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary is located in Jhajjar district of Haryana. It was established by the Government of India on 3rd June, 2009 and occupies an area of about 1074 acres. This sanctuary can be defined as a man-made wetland, which was constructed for the purpose of storing excess water of the Jawaharlal Nehru canal. As per estimations, more than 30,000 types of migratory birds belonging to over 250 species and resident birds have been recorded in Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary throughout the year. The migratory and resident birds utilize the Bhindawas Lake. Shikra, black kite, laughing dove, jungle babbler, etc are the resident birds of Bhindawas. Pallas`s gull, great egret, crested lark, ashy prinia, etc are the migratory birds of Bhindawas. Unfortunately, water hyacinth has choked large parts of the lake. Consequently, the state government has taken initiative to remove the weed from the lake.
Sultanpur National Park and Bird Sanctuary
Sultanpur National Park and Bird Sanctuary is located at Sultanpur, about 15 kilometers from Gurgaon. The initial step to develop this sanctuary was taken by Peter Jackson, a famous ornithologist and the honorary secretary of the Delhi Bird Watching Society. He wrote to the then Prime Minister of India, namely, Indira Gandhi in 1970 about the need to turn the Sultanpur jheel near Delhi, into a bird sanctuary. In the year 1972, the area was declared a bird sanctuary. In 1989, the reserve was upgraded to a National Park. This bird sanctuary occupies an area of about 1.43 square kilometers. As per estimations, over 250 species of birds have been recorded in the sanctuary.
Khaparwas Bird Sanctuary
Khaparwas Bird Sanctuary or Khaparwas Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Jhaijar district, about 80 kilometers west of Delhi. The reserve is spread over an area of about 82.70 hectares and draws a large number of migratory birds.
