The monsoon of 2018 has begun nourishing Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur.
While 2016 was a good rain year with a total rainfall of 718.9mm, we had received only 50.5mm in 2017. This year, Bharatpur received 717 mm rainfall by the end of July alone!
A vast sanctuary that protects over 350 different species of migratory and resident birds, Keoladeo National Park has three main water sources – the Ajan Bund, the Govardhan Drain and the Chambal Pipleline. The Ajan Bund, which has been dry in 2017 until this year’s rainfall, had reached a water level of 5.5 feet in August 2018 Once the water level crosses 7 feet, this source will have ample water for the park!
Rich in fish biodiversity and other life forms, the Govardhan drain’s streams flowing into the National Park can potentially sustain the biodiversity of KNP.
Due to the water scarcity of 2017, block L of the park was badly affected which has now almost submerged.
Last year’s water scarcity had left some blocks of KNP dry with no nesting! Now, the park is chirping with open billed storks, little cormorants, Indian darters, egrets and herons.
If the current spell of rain continues, Bharatpur will be able to support a good population of resident and migratory birds and enrich its ecosystem.
WWF-India has strengthened efforts to engage with government departments to ensure availability of water for the park during lean seasons.
Photo © Hemendra Kumar/WWF-India, Arjit Mishra/WWF-India, Amit Dubey/WWF-India