UNESCO Heritage Site: The Mesmerising Beauty of the Keoladeo National Park

Nestled in the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan, Keoladeo National Park, formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, stands as a beacon of ecological richness and a testament to successful conservation. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, the park is one of the world’s most important bird breeding and feeding grounds. With a unique mix of dry grasslands, woodlands, swamps, and wetlands, Keoladeo plays a critical role in the migratory patterns of birds, hosting thousands of avian visitors each year. Despite its relatively small size of about 29 square kilometres, it has earned the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

From a King's Royal Hunting Ground to a UNESCO Site 

Keoladeo National Park’s origins date back to the 18th century when it was developed as a hunting reserve for the Maharajas of Bharatpur. Named after the ancient Keoladeo (Shiva) temple located within its bounds, the area was converted into a bird sanctuary in 1956 and later declared a national park in 1982. Its ecological importance was internationally recognised when UNESCO included it in the list of World Heritage Sites. The park is located in the Indo-Gangetic plains. Today, the wetlands are largely man-made, sustained through a complex irrigation system using water from the Ajan Bund, a 250-year-old dam. Keoladeo exemplifies how human intervention, when done with ecological sensitivity, can enhance biodiversity.

Rich in Flora

Keoladeo National Park is home to a rich diversity of vegetation, primarily consisting of aquatic plants, grasslands, and deciduous forests. The terrain features Kadamba, Babul, and Ber trees, which support nesting and roosting birds. The wetland areas are covered with water lilies, water hyacinths, duckweed, and cattails, providing food and shelter for numerous aquatic organisms. 

During the monsoon, the park transforms into a lush green wetland. Seasonal changes also influence the growth of floating and submerged aquatic plants, supporting the rich food web that sustains thousands of birds and animals. Plant life plays a pivotal role in maintaining ecological balance, preventing soil erosion, and purifying water.

A Haven of Fauna

Keoladeo is a haven for over 370 species of birds, including migratory birds from Siberia, West Asia, and Europe. The star attraction was once the Siberian Crane, although sightings have become extremely rare since the early 2000s. A few avian highlights include the Painted Storks, Egrets and Herons, Sarus Cranes, Greater and Lesser Flamingos, and Bar-headed Geese and Common Teal. 

Birdwatchers and ornithologists from around the globe visit the park during the winter months (October to March) when the avian population is at its peak. Apart from birds, the park also hosts mammals such as Nilgai (blue bull), Sambar deer, Chital, Wild Boar, and Golden Jackals. The Indian Python can be occasionally seen basking in the sun near wetland areas, and fish, amphibians, and reptiles thrive in its aquatic ecosystems.

Conservation Challenges and Efforts

Despite its protected status, Keoladeo faces significant conservation challenges. The primary concern is water scarcity, largely due to the diversion of water for agricultural and urban uses in the surrounding region. This has led to a reduction in wetland areas, directly impacting bird populations and breeding patterns. 

Efforts are ongoing to ensure a regular water supply through pumping from nearby dams and canals. The involvement of local communities, ecotourism guidelines, and the work of conservation organisations have contributed to raising awareness and improving park management. Regular censuses, habitat restoration, and anti-poaching patrols further safeguard its biodiversity.

Keoladeo National Park is more than just a sanctuary for birds; its successful transition from a royal hunting ground to a globally significant wetland reserve stands as a model for ecological restoration and biodiversity protection.