The Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary in Gujarat has firmly established itself as a premier destination for nature lovers, with the state government announcing impressive visitor numbers for the 2024-25 period. This ecological gem is now set to be highlighted as a blueprint for sustainable development.
Record Visitor Numbers and Biodiversity Growth
Over 52,400 people visited the sanctuary in the 2024-25 period, underscoring its rising popularity. The government revealed that the sanctuary's rich biodiversity is also on an upward trend. Official data shows that the number of recorded bird species increased from 317 in 2023-24 to 332 in 2024-25, a clear sign of a healthy and thriving ecosystem.
Spanning more than 600 hectares near Jamnagar, the sanctuary's unique claim to fame is the confluence of fresh and saline waters. This rare ecological feature creates a mosaic of pools and ditches, forming perfect microhabitats that support a spectacular variety of birdlife. This very characteristic earned it the prestigious designation as a Ramsar site of international importance in 2022.
A Model for Sustainable Tourism at Vibrant Gujarat
The Gujarat government plans to showcase Khijadiya's success story on a larger platform. It will be presented as a model of sustainable development at the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) for Saurashtra-Kutch. The state's statement emphasized that the region's biodiversity directly supports key initiatives in agriculture, tourism, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
"The region's rich biodiversity complements the state's key initiatives such as agriculture, tourism, climate resilience, and sustainable infrastructure development, which will be a focal point during VGRC," the official statement noted. The government is actively enhancing visitor facilities with watchtowers, forest cottages, observation platforms, and interpretation centres to improve the eco-tourism experience.
Saurashtra-Kutch Emerges as a Composite Tourist Hub
The spotlight on Khijadiya is part of a broader narrative of Saurashtra and Kutch evolving into leading tourist circuits. The government statement highlighted the area's diverse offerings, which include:
- Natural landscapes and wildlife sanctuaries.
- Iconic coastal beauty.
- Spiritual and pilgrimage sites.
- A deep and vibrant cultural heritage.
From the mesmerising White Rann to the historic temples of Saurashtra, the region provides visitors with a wide array of memorable experiences. The success of the Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary stands as a testament to Gujarat's growing focus on eco-tourism and sustainable development, balancing conservation with community engagement and economic growth.
