The Okhla Bird Sanctuary, officially known as the Shaheed Chander Azad Sanctuary, is a popular destination for bird lovers in Delhi. The sanctuary is home to around 300 different species of birds, including those found in thorny scrub, grassland, and wetland habitats. The wetland was formed by the creation of the Okhla Barrage and was officially designated as a sanctuary by the government of Uttar Pradesh in 1990. The Okhla Bird Sanctuary Delhi is now one of 466 Important Bird Areas in India.
About
The Okhla Bird Sanctuary Delhi is a popular destination for bird watchers and enthusiasts, known for its diverse population of over 300 bird species, particularly waterfowl. It is located at the Okhla Barrage over the Yamuna River, where the river enters the state of Uttar Pradesh from Delhi. The sanctuary is one of 15 bird sanctuaries in the state and is known for its picturesque setting and abundance of birdlife.
History
The Okhla Bird Sanctuary is a popular destination for birdwatchers and enthusiasts, known for its diverse population of over 300 bird species, particularly waterfowl. It is located around the Okhla Barrage and the river Yamuna and the marshes associated with it. The area has been a favourite spot for bird watching since the construction of the Agra Canal in 1874. Ornithological surveys by Major-General H. P. W. Hutson and Mrs. Usha Ganguli in the 1940s later highlighted the area’s avifauna. The construction of a barrage and lake in 1986, increased the activity of birdwatching. Spread over 3.5 square kilometres in the Gautam Budh Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh, bird sanctuary Okhla was declared a protected area in 1990 under the Wildlife Protection Act, of 1972.
Attractions
The Okhla Bird Sanctuary Delhi is home to a variety of birds, such as yellow-footed green pigeons, red munia, spot-billed duck, purple swamphen, and spotted owlet. However, the number of migratory birds visiting the sanctuary has decreased in recent years due to rising pollution and construction in the surrounding area.
A total of 302 species have been recorded in the sanctuary and its immediate vicinity, with an additional 27 species considered probable but unconfirmed. In January 2011, an unusual white-plumaged leucistic coot was spotted for the first time in India as a part of the Asian Waterbird Census 2011. The Okhla Bird Sanctuary Delhi hosts over 400 species year-round and over 100,000 migratory birds during the winter months. It is home to 30% of the 1,200 to 1,300 bird species recorded in the Indian subcontinent.
The Okhla Bird Sanctuary is home to a diverse population of bird species, including several that are considered endangered or vulnerable. The total list of species found at the Okhla bird sanctuary includes:
- Two critically endangered species: The white-rumped Vulture and Indian Vulture, are also found at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary. The population of both these species has seen a drastic decline in recent years due to habitat loss and the use of the veterinary drug diclofenac, which is toxic to vultures. Conservation efforts are being made to protect and conserve these species.
- Nine vulnerable species: Baikal teal, Baer’s pochard, sarus crane, sociable lapwing, Indian skimmer, Pallas’s fish eagle, lesser adjutant, bristled grassbird, and Finn’s weaver
- Seven near-threatened species: ferruginous pochard, black-bellied tern, grey-headed fish eagle, erratically east to West Bengal and south to Kerala and Sri Lanka.
It is an important area for bird conservation and protection.
Visitor Information
Best Time
The best time to visit Okhla Bird Sanctuary is during the cooler months between November and March when the weather is pleasant and you can see many exotic migratory birds. The winter months are the most popular time to visit the sanctuary, and the entire place is bustling with activity.
Ticket price
According to Government Order No. 1782/14-4-2010 – 816/93 dated 19-9-2010, the structure for the Okhla Bird Sanctuary Ticket price is as follows:
- The entry fee per person (per day) for Indians is 30 rupees, and for foreigners is 350 rupees.
- Still Camera fee (per visit) for Non-Digital/Digital/Small Digital Movie Camera/Handy Cam is 500 rupees for Indians and 1,000 rupees for foreigners.
- The movie Camera fee (per visit) for Digital Movie Camera is 5,000 rupees for Indians and 10,000 rupees for foreigners.
- The Documentary & Movie fee (per day) for Documentary Feature Film is 25,000 rupees for Indians and foreigners.
- The feature Film fee (per day) is 1,00,000 rupees for Indians and 1,50,000 rupees for foreigners.
Please note that the fees might be subject to change as per government norms.
Transport
The Okhla Bird Sanctuary is easily accessible from Mathura Road (NH-2) via Sarita Vihar, heading towards Noida.
- By Bus: The nearest bus station to the sanctuary is Mahamaya Flyover, which is a 3-minute walk away.
- By Metro: The nearest metro station to the sanctuary is Kalindi Kunj, which is a 22-minute walk away. The nearest station Okhla Bird Sanctuary metro station is on Magenta Line.
- By Road: You can take a rickshaw or auto-rickshaw to visit the sanctuary.
These modes of transportation are readily available and will take you to the sanctuary.
Tips
- To ensure a pleasant visit to the Okhla Bird Sanctuary, visitors should keep in mind the following tips:
Maintain silence and avoid disturbing the serenity of the place with unnecessary noise. Also, do not litter and use dustbins when needed. - No vehicles are allowed inside the sanctuary
- Wear clothes that blend in with the natural surroundings, as bright colours may disturb the birds and scare them away.
- Bring a field guide and binoculars to help identify and learn more about specific birds when you spot them.
- Throwing stones at birds, playing loud music, and honking is strictly prohibited. Visitors should not disrupt the peace of the place at any cost.
- Remember to follow the rules and regulations of the sanctuary and respect the natural environment.
By following these tips, you can have an enjoyable and educational experience at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary.
Conclusion
Okhla Bird Sanctuary is a tranquil natural area that covers 3.5 square kilometers. It offers visitors a chance to escape from the city and explore its short trails. It is also a great place for picnics and spending time with family. You can visit the Okhla Bird sanctuary as it is known for its stunning natural beauty and will offer you an opportunity to appreciate nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you get to Okhla Bird Sanctuary?
The Okhla Bird Sanctuary Delhi is easily accessible by both roadways and metro services. You can also book a cab or drive your vehicle to the sanctuary.
2. How to reach Okhla Bird Sanctuary?
The Okhla Bird Sanctuary is easily accessible from Mathura Road (NH-2) via Sarita Vihar, heading towards Noida by Bus, Metro, or by road.
3. How to reach Okhla Bird Sanctuary by metro?
The nearest metro station to the sanctuary is Kalindi Kunj, which is a 22-minute walk away. The nearest station of Delhi Metro is Okhla Bird Sanctuary metro station on Magenta Line.
4. What is the best time to visit Okhla Bird Sanctuary?
The best time to visit Okhla Bird Sanctuary Delhi is during the cooler months between November and March. Visiting the Okhla Bird Sanctuary during the cool weather is ideal for exploring the area
5. Which metro line goes to Okhla Bird Sanctuary?
The Okhla Bird Sanctuary metro station is located on the Magenta Line of the Delhi Metro.
6. Why is Okhla famous?
The Okhla Bird Sanctuary is a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts as it is home to over 300 different species of birds, including a variety of exotic waterbirds.
7. What is Okhla Bird Sanctuary famous for?
The Okhla Bird Sanctuary Delhi is a beautiful and peaceful destination, surrounded by towering trees and wetlands that create a canopy of green. The sanctuary features several short trails that are perfect for exploring and enjoying nature.
8. Which city is Okhla in?
The Okhla Bird Sanctuary is located at the Okhla barrage over the Yamuna River in Noida, Gautam Buddh Nagar district on the border of the Indian states of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. It is an important bird area and protected area for migratory and resident birds.