The Sardar Samand Lake located in Pali district is an hour away from Jodhpur. This breathtaking region is a beautiful blend of grasslands, woodland and wetland that serve as home to thousands of migratory birds that arrive here from remote lands. During winters, this small area comes alive with the melodious chirping of winged species.
This year, avid bird watchers had spotted Eurasian spoonbills, Cormorants, white ibises, egrets etc. roosting and brooding on partially submerged Juliflora and acacia plants. The hills and the stones were occupied by Raptors like booted hawk eagle and rock eagle owl. Even the common species like the barn swallows were spotted feeding on insects by the lake.
Blue bulls, Chinkara Deer and Blackbucks were seen flocking in the open grasslands and the surrounding agricultural fields. While the onlookers were basking in the beauty of Sardar Samand Lake, they spotted a rare species of Moustached warbler that was hiding behind the shrubs. Surprisingly, this bird has never been photographed in Rajasthan.
Other than these foreign migrants and wetland birds, local wildlife enthusiasts spotted black bucks and flamingos by the lake. All in all, it was a beautiful spot to behold. To keep the natural beauty of this region alive, the Sarpanchs of adjoining Ghurasani and Sardar Samand villages have demanded the Rajasthan forest department to preserve about 9,000 bighas of this breathtaking, unique ecosystem as a protected reserve.
The idea was to discourage poaching and hunting of birds. In response to the villager’s letters. CCF (Chief Conservator of Forests) Dr Gobind Sagar Bharadwaj has made appropriate plans to fulfil the villagers’ request
According to Bhardwaj, this year, the lake has attracted several native and exotic water-dwelling birds like demoiselle cranes, flamingos, great white pelicans, bar-headed geese and ducks. Many species were spotted near Dholagiri too.
The native villagers have volunteered to conserve this area. They’ve demanded the government to channelize the rainwater of Dholagiri hills to the local ponds to fulfil the water requirements. They’ve also requested the government to declare this region as a reserve, protected by the Wildlife Act of 1972. This would not just promote eco-tourism in this region, but also help maintain the ecological balance.
The forest department, committed to this cause, will forward to request to the High Command. After the government approves their request, the local authorities will speed up conservatory activities to preserve the timeless beauty of Sardar Samand Lake.
