Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC (Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary)
Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Haryana, India. The sanctuary is situated around the Bhindawas Lake, which is a prominent water body attracting a variety of bird species.
It is one of the important bird habitats in the region and is known for its diverse avian population, particularly migratory birds. More than 30,000 variety of migratory birds belonging to over 250 species and resident birds visit Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary through the year.
The sanctuary plays a significant role in conserving wetland ecosystems and providing a safe habitat for wildlife. It contributes to the overall biodiversity of the region and helps maintain ecological balance.
The sanctuary's location relatively close to urban centers like Delhi makes it accessible for day trips and nature excursions, attracting both local and distant visitors.
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Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Jhajjar district of the state of Haryana, India. It is approximately 15 kilometers away from the town of Jhajjar and about 75 kilometers southwest of the national capital, New Delhi. The sanctuary is located just 1.5 km from Khaparwas Wildlife Sanctuary.
The sanctuary is centered around Bhindawas Lake and covers an area that provides habitat for various bird species and other wildlife. The sanctuary is an important part of the ecological corridor along the route of Sahibi River which traverses from Aravalli hills in Rajasthan to the Yamuna.
Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, which is approximately 75 kilometers away.
Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary is the Jhajjar Railway Station, which is situated in the town of Jhajjar itself. It is well-connected to other major railway stations in the region.
Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary History
1. Establishment as a Wildlife Sanctuary:
Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Jhajjar district of Haryana, India, was officially designated as a Wildlife Sanctuary by the Forests Department, Government of Haryana. This significant step towards conservation took place on 5 July 1985, when an area covering 411.55 hectares was accorded official sanctuary status.
2. Bird Sanctuary Declaration:
Building on its conservation importance, Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary received further recognition on 3 June 2009. The Indian Government declared it as a bird sanctuary, underscoring its vital role in providing a habitat for a diverse range of avian species.
3. Eco-Sensitive Zone Designation:
In 2011, Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary received another layer of protection and conservation recognition. The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change designated it as an Eco-sensitive zone. This recognition reflects the sanctuary's ecological significance and the need to safeguard its natural resources and habitats.
4. Ramsar Site Designation:
A significant milestone in Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary's conservation journey occurred on 25 May 2021. The site was designated as a Ramsar site, highlighting its international importance as a wetland habitat. This recognition underscores the sanctuary's role in supporting biodiversity, particularly its significance as a habitat for numerous bird species and its contribution to global conservation efforts.
These milestones reflect the dedication and commitment of various stakeholders, including the Forests Department, Government of Haryana, and the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, in preserving and protecting Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary's ecological and wildlife value.
Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary Area
Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses an area of approximately 4.12 square kilometers (or 412 hectares). This relatively compact yet ecologically significant space is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including various bird species and other wildlife.
Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary River
Sahibi River flow through Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sahibi River is a seasonal river in northern India that flows through the states of Haryana and Rajasthan. It originates in the Aravalli Range in Rajasthan and travels through Haryana before eventually merging with the Yamuna River.
The river is relatively small and its flow is largely dependent on monsoon rainfall. During the monsoon season, the Sahibi River carries water and can contribute to the water table in the region. However, outside of the monsoon period, the river may become dry or have minimal flow.
Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary Lake
Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary is centered around Bhindawas Lake, which is a significant water body within the sanctuary. The lake is a man-made reservoir that plays a crucial role in providing habitat for various aquatic and avian species. It is the largest wetland in Haryana State.
It is formed by storing water from the Yamuna River through an irrigation canal. Constructed to store the excess waters of the Jawaharlal Nehru canal at the time of power failure of Lift Canal System.
Bhindawas Lake and its surrounding wetlands create a diverse ecosystem that attracts a wide range of bird species, including migratory birds. The lake serves as an important feeding and breeding ground for both resident and visiting bird populations.
The presence of Bhindawas Lake enhances the biodiversity of the sanctuary and contributes to its ecological value. The Sanctuary contributes to maintaining the region’s water table by recharging groundwater, and is also a natural flood buffer.
Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of plant species that contribute to its diverse ecosystem. The flora within the sanctuary includes both terrestrial and aquatic plants, supporting the various wildlife species that inhabit the area.
(1) Aquatic Plants:
Given its association with Bhindawas Lake, the sanctuary likely hosts a variety of aquatic plants such as water lilies, lotus, reeds, and submerged vegetation like hydrilla and pondweed. These plants provide important habitat and food sources for aquatic animals and waterfowl.
(2) Grasses and Sedges:
Various types of grasses and sedges, both in and around the wetland areas, contribute to stabilizing the soil and providing cover and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife.
(3) Shrubs and Bushes:
Different shrub species like salvadora, ziziphus, and prosopis present in the drier areas of the sanctuary. These can offer shelter and food for smaller animals and birds.
(4) Trees:
Depending on the specific habitat types within the sanctuary, you can find tree species like neem, jamun, banyan, and acacia. These trees contribute to the overall biodiversity and provide nesting sites and perches for various bird species.
(5) Wetland Plants:
The wetland areas around Bhindawas Lake host plants like cattails, bulrushes, and other emergent vegetation. These plants play a vital role in stabilizing the wetland ecosystem and providing habitat for aquatic life.
Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for which animal?
Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including both resident and migratory species. The sanctuary's varied habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, and water bodies, provide a suitable environment for various animal species.
Here are some examples of the fauna you can find in Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Nilgai
- Golden Jackal
- Common Mongoose
- Black-naped Hare
Birds:
- Egyptian Vulture
- Steppe Eagle
- Pallas’s Fish Eagle
- Black-bellied Tern
- Barheaded Goose
- Greylag Goose
- Indian Cormorant
- Mallard
- Red-crested Pochard
- Ferruginous Duck
- Baer’s Pochard
- Greater Spotted Aquila
- Great White Pelicans
- Glossy Ibis
- Black Headed Ibis
- Eurasian Spoonbill
- Greater Flamingos
- Sarus Cranes
- Black-necked Stork
- Sind Sparrow
- Lesser White-fronted Goose
- Demoiselle Crane
- Pallas’s Fish Eagle
Note- The sanctuary supports more than 1.7% of the biogeographic population of greylag goose (Anser anser) and more than 2% of the biogeographic population of Indian cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscicollis).
Reptiles:
- Snakes
- Lizards
Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. In which state is Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary located?/Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which district of Haryana?
A. Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Haryana, India. Specifically, it is situated in the Jhajjar district of Haryana. The sanctuary is an important protected area within the state, known for its diverse avian population and wetland ecosystem around Bhindawas Lake.
Q. When was Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary established?
A. Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary was officially established on July 5, 1985. The Forests Department of the Government of Haryana officially notified the area as a wildlife sanctuary on that date. The sanctuary is located in the Jhajjar district of Haryana, India, and is known for its diverse avian population and the conservation of its wetland habitat around Bhindawas Lake.
Q. What is Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several reasons:
(i) Avian Diversity: The sanctuary is renowned for its rich birdlife, both resident and migratory. It serves as a vital stopover for numerous migratory bird species during the winter months, making it a prime destination for birdwatchers and ornithologists.
(ii) Migratory Birds: Bhindawas Lake and its surroundings attract a wide variety of migratory birds from different parts of the world. These include species like Northern Pintail, Common Teal, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, and many others.
(iii) Bhindawas Lake: The sanctuary's centerpiece, Bhindawas Lake, is a man-made reservoir formed by storing water from the Yamuna River. The lake provides a crucial water source for various bird and aquatic species and is a hub of biodiversity.
(iv) Eco-Sensitive Zone: The sanctuary was designated as an eco-sensitive zone by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, recognizing its ecological importance and the need to safeguard its natural resources.
(v) Proximity to Urban Centers: Located relatively close to Delhi and other urban areas, Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary offers urban dwellers a convenient opportunity to connect with nature and experience wildlife without traveling far from the city.
(vi) Ecological Corridor: Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the ecological corridor along the Sahibi River, providing a crucial habitat and movement route for various species.
(vi) Ramsar Site: The sanctuary was designated as a Ramsar site on May 25, 2021, highlighting its international significance as a wetland of importance, particularly for migratory waterbirds.
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