Gurgaon: From the migratory bird congregations of Sultanpur and Bhindawas to the wetlands of Kotla Lake, Haryana is set to develop a bird-watching tourism circuit linking some of its most important avian habitats as part of a wider conservation and eco-tourism push announced on World Environment Day.Chief minister Nayab Singh Saini unveiled plans for the circuit, which will connect Sultanpur National Park in the city, Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary in Jhajjar and Kotla Lake in Panchkula. Officials said the initiative could create Haryana’s first dedicated birding trail while drawing greater attention to the conservation of wetlands that support hundreds of resident and migratory bird species.Unlike a conventional tourism project centred on a single destination, the proposed circuit will function as a network of birding sites spread across the state. The wetlands will not be physically connected but will be developed through improved visitor amenities, interpretation centres, guided nature experiences and coordinated promotion to encourage tourists to explore multiple habitats.“The objective is to encourage visitors to move beyond a single site and experience different bird habitats across Haryana. Each wetland has a distinct ecological character and attracts different species during various seasons,” a senior forest department official said.Sultanpur National Park remains Haryana’s best-known birding destination, attracting thousands of visitors during the migratory season. Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary, designated a Ramsar site in 2021, is the state’s largest wetland and supports a rich diversity of waterbirds. Kotla Lake has also emerged as an important refuge for migratory and resident species in northern Haryana.According to forest department officials, the three sites collectively support more than 100 bird species and serve as important stopover habitats along the Central Asian Flyway, one of the world’s major migratory bird routes.Officials said the circuit is expected to boost awareness about wetland conservation while creating opportunities for bird photography, research, guided nature tourism and livelihood generation for local communities. “The project can strengthen both conservation and eco-tourism by bringing more attention to these habitats and the ecological services they provide,” another official said.The birding circuit forms part of a broader package of wildlife, conservation and eco-tourism initiatives announced by the state govt.Among the flagship projects is a Rs 55-crore Bird Vihar proposed in Saraswati Conservation Forest. The facility is being conceived as a dedicated bird habitat with enhanced nesting and feeding grounds for local and migratory species.The govt has additionally earmarked Rs 10 crore for eco-tourism infrastructure at Kalesar National Park in Yamunanagar. Situated in the Shivalik foothills, Kalesar is among Haryana’s most biodiverse forest landscapes and supports a wide range of wildlife. Officials said the planned facilities would improve visitor access and interpretation while ensuring ecological safeguards.Two zoological parks are also slated for major upgrades. Pipli zoo will undergo renovation at a cost of Rs 70 crore, while Bhiwani zoo will be modernised through a Rs 25-crore project.Alongside these initiatives, Saini announced an ambitious plantation drive under which the forest department will plant 1.5 crore saplings this year. Of these, 50 lakh saplings will be distributed free to the public, while another 20 lakh will be provided to schoolchildren through the Paudhagiri campaign.In an effort to reduce plastic consumption, forest department nurseries will also begin replacing conventional plastic plant bags with biodegradable alternatives.Officials said the initiatives reflect the govt’s growing emphasis on integrating conservation with sustainable tourism, positioning wetlands, forests and wildlife habitats as both ecological assets and drivers of nature-based economic activity.
