Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary

Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary UPSC (Shahid Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary)

The Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, renamed as the Shahid Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary, is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The sanctuary also houses a deer park, watchtowers and boats.

The Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary spans an area of about 2.246 square kilometers and is known for its diverse bird population. It is home to numerous resident and migratory bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. The sanctuary is predominantly composed of marshy swamps and lakes, providing an ideal habitat for aquatic birds.

Table of Contents Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary Location Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary History Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary Area Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary Flora Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary Fauna Mammals Birds Reptile Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary Location

The Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is located in the Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is situated near the Kanpur-Lucknow Highway, approximately 40 kilometers away from Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh.

Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow, which is approximately 45 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the sanctuary.

Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

The Nawabganj Birds Sanctuary is 45 Km from Kanpur railway station and Lucknow railway station is 55 Km from the Sanctuary. It is a major railway station with good connectivity to various cities in India. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the sanctuary.

Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary History

Early Settlement and Awadh Kingdom: The area where the Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is located has a historical significance dating back to ancient times. It was part of the kingdom of Awadh, an important historical region in northern India known for its rich culture and heritage.

Establishment of the Sanctuary: The Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary was officially established in 1984 with the primary objective of conserving and protecting the diverse bird species that inhabit the region. Initially, it was a small patch of wetland, but it has been expanded and developed over time.

Renaming: In 2015, the Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary was renamed as the Shahid Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary as a tribute to the Indian freedom fighter Chandra Shekhar Azad. This renaming honors his contribution to the freedom struggle and recognizes his legacy.

Recognition as Ramsar Site: In 2019, the Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary was declared a Ramsar site, adding to its significance and international recognition. The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty that recognizes wetlands of global importance and promotes their conservation. This designation highlights the sanctuary's ecological value and the need to protect its wetland ecosystem.

Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary Area

The Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 2.246 square kilometers (224.6 Hectare).

Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary Flora

The Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is characterized by its diverse flora, which plays a crucial role in providing habitat and sustenance for the avian population. The sanctuary is home to a variety of plant species, including both aquatic and terrestrial vegetation.

(1) Aquatic Flora:

The wetlands, marshes, and lakes within the sanctuary support a rich array of aquatic vegetation. These include water lilies, lotus, reeds, submerged grasses, and floating plants like water hyacinths and water lettuce. Such aquatic plants provide important nesting sites, breeding grounds, and feeding areas for birds, as well as contribute to the overall ecological balance of the sanctuary.

(2) Terrestrial Flora:

The terrestrial areas of the sanctuary are covered with a mix of vegetation types, including grasslands, shrubs, and scattered trees. The vegetation in these areas consists of grass species like Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass), Imperata cylindrica (Cogon grass), and Saccharum spontaneum (Wild sugarcane). Various shrubs such as Ziziphus nummularia (Indian jujube) and Tamarix spp. (Tamarisk) can also be found. In addition, scattered trees such as Acacia nilotica (Indian gum arabic tree) and Prosopis juliflora (Mesquite) can be seen throughout the sanctuary.

Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary Fauna (Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary Animals)

The Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is renowned for its rich and diverse fauna, particularly its avian population. The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of bird species, including resident birds and migratory birds that visit during the winter months. However, the sanctuary also supports a range of other wildlife species.

Here are some notable fauna found in the sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Golden Jackal
• Jungle Cat
• Spotted Deer
• Barking Deer

Birds:

Which bird is famous in Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary?

The sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 250 species of birds recorded. There is a mix of local resident birds as well as migratory birds that visit during specific seasons. Here are some notable local resident and migratory birds found in the sanctuary:

Local Resident Birds:

• Egyptian Vulture
• Pallas’s Fish Eagle
• Lesser Adjutant
• Woolly-necked Stork
• Sarus Crane 
• Painted Stork
• Peafowl
• White Ibis
• Dabchick 
• Whistling Teal
• Open-bill Stork
• White-necked Stork
• Pheasant-tailed Jacana
• Bronze-winged Jacana
• Purple Moorhen
• Lapwing
• Tern
• Pigeon
• King Crow
• Indian Roller

Migratory Birds:

• Siberian crane
• Greylag Goose
• Pintail
• Cotton Teal
• Red-crested Pochard
• Gadwall
• Shoveller
• Coot
• Mallard

Reptiles:

• Indian Rock Python
• Common Krait
• Russell's Viper
• Garden Lizard

Note- A small park for deer has been established in the vicinity of the sanctuary. There are spotted and barking deer in the park.

Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. In which district the Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is located?/Where is Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary?/ In which district is Nawabganj Ramsar site?

A. The Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is located in the Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh, India.

Q. What is Nawabganj famous for?

A. Nawabganj, in addition to being home to the Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, is known for its historical and cultural significance. Here are a few things that Nawabganj is famous for:

Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary: The Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. It is known for its diverse avian population, including both resident and migratory bird species.

Historical Heritage: Nawabganj has a rich historical heritage, with traces of the ancient kingdom of Awadh. It has historical sites, including temples, forts, and other architectural remnants that showcase the region's past.