Panchna rejuvenates Keoladeo

Bharatpur: Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur, renowned for its vibrant ecosystem, is once again making headlines. The recent influx of water from the Panchna Dam has rejuvenated the park, bringing a renewed sense of life and paradise to the region. Keoladeo National Park is rich in biodiversity. Keoladeo National Park, also known as Ghana Bird Sanctuary, derives its name from Lord Shiva, who is revered here as "Kevaladev" (the singular deity) and "Ghana" due to its dense forests. Recent rains have significantly increased water flow in the Gambhir River, with 2400 cubic meters of water released from the Panchna Dam, bringing life back to the sanctuary.

This water has also introduced 19 fish species, a favorite food for both migratory & local birds.

As a result, over a thousand painted storks have already arrived, with nesting observed from Bakaliya Checkpoint to Keoladeo Temple. Expectations are high for arrival of pelicans by October. Historically, Siberian cranes traveled thousands of kilometers to Keoladeo, but their visits dwindled due to water scarcity and hunting. However, current water levels raise hopes for their return. The arrival of migratory birds has also sparked enthusiasm among travel traders, with hotel operators anticipating a surge in tourism.

Keoladeo has long been a major tourist attraction, drawing notable visitors such as former PM Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, & the Shah of Iran. Migratory birds from Siberia, Russia, Mongolia, Afghanistan, and European countries have graced the park over the years. With the current water influx, the winter months promise to bring colonies of migratory & local birds, attracting thousands of tourists eager to witness this remarkable avian spectacle.