Gurgaon: Sultanpur National Park facing water shortage

The national park receives water from September to January

The Sultanpur National Park -- about 15km away from the city which is witnessing nesting at present -- is facing water crisis due to less monsoon rain. This summer, not only the residents were affected because of water scarcity, but the birds too are facing issues.

The Sultanpur National Park draws winged wonders from the country and across the world. (Sanjeev Verma/HT FILE)

The park authority is filling the water body which is 180 acres, with water from the channel much before the scheduled time. Usually the park receives water from September to January.

“We are taking precautionary measures to ensure that the water body does not dry out completely,” said Shyam Sunder Kaushik, divisional forest officer, wildlife, Gurgaon.

Scarcity of water might impact the breeding and migration pattern of the birds. “Though the park might get rain in August, however, the present condition required water supply,” he added.

Also, a proposal for breeding 10 to 15 lakh fish has been sent to the forest department which will be released into the water body for the birds.

Park authority has providing an isolated surrounding for the birds for the breeding process by restricting human interference. The water body is also being cleaned and authorities are carrying out an exercise to prevent slit getting deposited in it.

The park will reopen on October 1 for visitors as it is expected to receive winter birds. Every year, more than 30,000 birds from different parts of the country and also from Europe, Russia, China and the Gulf countries visit the park during the winter months.

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These birds include waders (water dependent birds), ducks (require slightly deeper water) and warblers (prefer reeds).

Last year the park that were spotted, include pallid scops, Asian brown flycatcher, Cetti’s warbler, Tickell’s leaf warbler, ashy-headed green pigeon, grey-headed fish eagle, smoky warbler, grey-hooded warbler, jungle nightjar, spotted crake and lesser florican.