Forest Department of Gujarat has developed an interactive interpretation centre at state’s largest 123 square km Nal Sarovar wetland bird century located in Ahmedabad district. Interpretation centre will soon open for visitors. Interpretation centre named as ‘Abhiruchi Kendra’ has been developed at a cost of Rs.42 lakh including Rs. 15 lakh for kiosks.

Talking to DeshGujarat, Forest department officer stationed at Nal Sarovar Mr.BB Modi said “So far 225 types of birds are recorded in Nal Sarovar area. 140 of them are water-birds and 70 of them are migratory. Out of these 70, only 25 to 30 are easily observed by the visitors and tourists. We have focused on these 30 varieties while developing an interpretation centre. Some of the varieties we have focused on are Flamingo, Pelican Egret, Heron, Ducks, Cormorant, Crane etc.”

“Migratory bird’s travel distance, place of origin, cross section prototype of Nal Sarovar’s under water life etc. are exhibited in the centre. We have set up Reverse Osmosis plant to offer pure drinking water to visitors. We now get Narmada water here through Sujalam Sufalam project.”

Mewnwhile even after migratory season is almost set, due to excess water level, birds have not arrived yet at Nal Sarovar in substantial strength. Ideally migratory birds need three to three and half ft deep water level to survive well in Nal Sarovar but due to excess rain in catchment areas of Nal Sarovar last monsoon, water level is at around 5 ft as of now. This is the reason why birds have not arrived here yet and why they are halting in small ponds, lakes and water bodies located nearby. However , according to Modi, water level will go down this month substantially and best season for birds as well as for bird-watchers will start in December’s first week at Nal Sarovar.

Modi told DeshGujarat that flocks of Flamingos, Pelicans and other birds have already arrived at Thol lake century near Ahmedabad due to favorable 4 ft deep water level existing there.

Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, primarily comprising of a huge lake and ambient marshes, is situated about 64 km to the West of Ahmedabad. Mainly inhabited by migratory birds in winter and spring, it is the largest wetland bird sanctuary in Gujarat, and one of the largest in India.