After about a decade, Nawabganj Bird sanctuary is again abuzz with activities. The arrival of hundreds of winged guests is giving a busy look to the sanctuary, lying neglected for the past many years due to official apathy.

Courtesy efforts of Unnao district administration and the forest conservator Eva Sharma, the Kulli Van lake is full of water inviting birds from across the shores. With winter arriving, species of Cotton Teal, Pintail, Open-billed Stork and Sarus (crane) can already be seen rowing and spreading hues in the area, especially during morning and evening.

Experts says so far some species have arrived from Siberia and Central Asia and hopefully around 100-odd varieties that used to flock the park till few years ago, would be seen again. Known for major wildlife attractions, the small sanctuary spreads in an area of 3 sq km and comprises an area around a shallow lake which forms a perfect spot for migratory and water birds for a long stay.

Located about 45 km from the State capital on Lucknow-Kanpur national highway, sanctuary is the home to a large range of birds, both resident and migratory. While migratory birds residing here include Greylag Goose, Pintail, Common teal, Cotton teal, Red Crested pochard, Brahmini duck, Gadwall, Shoveller, Wigeon, Coot and Mallard etc, resident and locally migratory birds comprises of Spotwill, Sarus crane, Painted Stork, White Ibis, Black Ibis, Dabchick, Whisling teal, Open billed stork, White necked stork, Black necked stork, Spoon bill, Pheasant tailed jacana, Broze winged Jacana, Purple moorrhen, White breasted Water hen, Indian Moorhen, Grebe, Cormorant Darter, Lapwing, Egret, Purple heron, Pond heron, Stone curlew, King fisher, Night jar, Tern Vulture, Kite, Partridge, Hawk Wagle, Koel, Dove, Pigeon, King Crow, Baya, Muniya, Golden Oriole, Barbet, Babler, Indian Roller, Bee-Eater, Parakeet, Drongo, Hoopoe, Finch, Peacock, Brain fever bird, Comb Duck, etc.

The sanctuary is also known to be the habitat of fishes like Katla, Mangur, Saul, Sindhi, Kavai and reptiles like Cobra, Viper, Krait, Ratsnake and Water Snake.

Unfortunately, the Deer Park, which used to be a major attraction for tourists, is lying empty. This small park, comprising the deer, was established in the vicinity of the sanctuary and was famous for Spotted Deer and Barking Deer. Another past attraction of the sanctuary, peacocks, too are conspicuous by their absence.

As part of conservation of lake and its surroundings, Government of Uttar Pradesh declared the area as a sanctuary in 1984.

The picturesque sanctuary, which was developed subsequently, became famous as an ideal place for photographers and picnic lovers.

To enhance the knowledge of visitors regarding birds, an Interpretation Centre was also established in the sanctuary.

There is also the provision of film shows related to wildlife. Presently, the centre is also being renovated and upgraded with modern facilities, says Eva Sharma.

“Also, the sanctuary is being beautified and given a chic look so that tourists could feel at home here,” says Rajshekhar, District Magistrate Unnao.

He terms the sanctuary as the pride of the region.