Gurgaon: Haryana is set to develop a bird-watching tourism circuit linking some of its most important avian habitats, from the migratory bird congregations of Sultanpur and Bhindawas to the wetlands of Kotla Lake. This initiative is part of a wider conservation and eco-tourism push announced on World Environment Day by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.
Birding Circuit Details
The proposed circuit will connect Sultanpur National Park in Gurgaon, Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary in Jhajjar, and Kotla Lake in Panchkula. Officials stated that this could create Haryana's first dedicated birding trail, drawing greater attention to the conservation of wetlands that support hundreds of resident and migratory bird species.
Unlike conventional tourism projects centered on a single destination, the circuit will function as a network of birding sites spread across the state. The wetlands will not be physically connected but will be developed through improved visitor amenities, interpretation centers, guided nature experiences, and coordinated promotion to encourage tourists to explore multiple habitats.
A senior forest department official explained, "The objective is to encourage visitors to move beyond a single site and experience different bird habitats across Haryana. Each wetland has a distinct ecological character and attracts different species during various seasons."
Key Sites
- Sultanpur National Park: Haryana's best-known birding destination, attracting thousands during the migratory season.
- Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary: Designated a Ramsar site in 2021, it is the state's largest wetland and supports a rich diversity of waterbirds.
- Kotla Lake: An important refuge for migratory and resident species in northern Haryana.
According to forest department officials, the three sites collectively support more than 100 bird species and serve as important stopover habitats along the Central Asian Flyway, one of the world's major migratory bird routes.
Conservation and Eco-Tourism Benefits
The circuit is expected to boost awareness about wetland conservation while creating opportunities for bird photography, research, guided nature tourism, and livelihood generation for local communities. Another official noted, "The project can strengthen both conservation and eco-tourism by bringing more attention to these habitats and the ecological services they provide."
Broader Initiatives
The birding circuit forms part of a broader package of wildlife, conservation, and eco-tourism initiatives announced by the state government. Flagship projects include:
- Bird Vihar: A Rs 55-crore facility proposed in Saraswati Conservation Forest, conceived as a dedicated bird habitat with enhanced nesting and feeding grounds.
- Kalesar National Park: Rs 10 crore earmarked for eco-tourism infrastructure in Yamunanagar, situated in the Shivalik foothills and among Haryana's most biodiverse forest landscapes.
- Pipli Zoo: Renovation at a cost of Rs 70 crore.
- Bhiwani Zoo: Modernization through a Rs 25-crore project.
Plantation Drive
Chief Minister Saini announced an ambitious plantation drive under which the forest department will plant 1.5 crore saplings this year. Of these, 50 lakh saplings will be distributed free to the public, while another 20 lakh will be provided to schoolchildren through the Paudhagiri campaign.
Plastic Reduction
In an effort to reduce plastic consumption, forest department nurseries will begin replacing conventional plastic plant bags with biodegradable alternatives.
Officials said the initiatives reflect the government's growing emphasis on integrating conservation with sustainable tourism, positioning wetlands, forests, and wildlife habitats as both ecological assets and drivers of nature-based economic activity.
