CHANDIGARH(PTI): A team of Ornithologist S, Mahahal, of the Zoological survey of India (ZSI) detailed investigation as part of the two-year project to study the flora and fauna of the Hanke Wetland, paradise of migratory birds from Russia, China, Europe and the higher reaches of Himalayas, Punjab chief wildlife warden, Gurmit Singh, said here the union ministry of environment had instructed the ZSI to make detailed study of the ecosystem of the wetland catering to a large number of organisms which attract largest number of migratory birds after the Bharat pur national park in Rajasthan.
The Harike Wetland was formed after construction of the b at the confluence of rivers Sutlej and Beas m 1952 thousand of acres of land in the districts of Amritsar, u Kapurthala, also known as the “Mand area.” Under the Ramsar (Iran) convention, 1972, guidelines Harike got its international Wetland status.
In winter, Harike provides a picturesque Panorama of migratory birds from Russia, China, Europe and the higher reaches of Himalayas.
Migratory birds like the Mallard, Gadwall, Wigeon, Pochard, Brahminy duck, and the red crested Pochard regularly visit the “the Paradise of Birds” each year.
The legendary bird watcher, the late Dr. Salim Ali, had visited the bird sanctuary in 1979 and had s-commended the areca for the bi rearing program, he said.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 15, 1994
