92,885 migratory birds of 85 species noticed in Himachal wetlands

A complete of 92,885 migratory birds of 85 species have already been noticed in Pong, one the most important man-made wetlands within the foothills of the Himalayas within the picturesque Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh, and their quantity would enhance within the subsequent few weeks.

This got here to gentle throughout the go to of chief minister Sukhvinder Sukhu on the Pong Dam in Kangra district. The chief minister was knowledgeable that the variety of migratory birds visiting Pong Dam this yr has risen considerably. As of December 2024, a complete of 92,885 migratory birds have visited and the depend is anticipated to cross one lakh by the tip of this month. Compared, 85,000 birds visited the dam from October to January the earlier yr. On common, 100 species of migratory birds go to Pong Dam yearly. On this season 85 species have already been noticed, an official assertion mentioned.

Flying hundreds of km from their native habitat in high-altitude lakes in Central Asia to keep away from the acute winter chill, the elegant formed bar-headed geese, an endangered migratory hen species, commonly descend on India. The Pong Dam wetlands have emerged as their most well-liked wintering floor. In addition to doing hen watching, Sukhu alongside together with his cupboard colleagues visited historical temples at Bathu-Ki-Lari, situated on one of many islands of Pong wetlands. The chief minister mentioned this space has immense potential for tourism and the federal government is making vital efforts to advertise tourism within the area.

The Pong wetlands, some 250 km from Himachal Pradesh’s capital Shimla, and 190 km from Chandigarh, are house to many native birds just like the crimson jungle fowl, giant Indian parakeet, Indian cuckoo, financial institution mynah, wooden shrike, yellow-eyed babbler, black ibis, paradise flycatcher, crested lark and the crested bunting.