Pong Dam Becomes a Winter Haven as Bar-Headed Geese Flock in Record Numbers
Himachal Pradesh’s Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary has emerged as an unrivaled winter retreat for the bar-headed geese, witnessing an astonishing 60% rise in their numbers compared to last year. The recently concluded Annual Water Birds Census documented a staggering 90,959 bar-headed geese, a dramatic jump from 37,501 in 2023. This high-altitude migratory species, famed for its ability to soar over the Himalayas, now dominates the sanctuary’s bird population, accounting for nearly 60% of the total migratory arrivals.
Pong’s Growing Significance on the Central Asian Flyway
The census, conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department in collaboration with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Wildlife Institute of India (WII), and local bird enthusiasts, further solidifies Pong’s reputation as a critical wintering ground on the Central Asian Flyway. The survey recorded an impressive 153,719 water-dependent birds from 97 species, reinforcing the wetland’s ecological importance.
Covering 307 square kilometers, the sanctuary was systematically divided into 25 sections for precise data collection. Armed with binoculars and spotting scopes, survey teams braved the cold winter mornings to document 144,371 migratory birds from 55 species, 7,382 resident birds from 31 species, and 1,966 birds from 11 other species. Apart from bar-headed geese, the census also noted substantial numbers of northern pintails, common pochards, ruddy shelducks, and Eurasian coots, along with rare sightings of the black-necked grebe and great crested grebe. Encouragingly, an increase in raptors like ospreys and Pallas’s fish eagles indicates a thriving ecosystem with a well-balanced food chain.
A Testament to Conservation Success
Bar-headed geese (Anser indicus), known for their incredible endurance, undertake one of the most challenging migrations in the avian world, crossing the Himalayas at altitudes of up to 29,000 feet. Their growing preference for Pong Dam is largely attributed to favorable weather conditions, improved habitat management, and a disturbance-free environment.
Originally created in 1976 with the construction of the Pong Dam on the Beas River, the wetland has evolved into one of India’s most significant bird sanctuaries. Its shallow waters, rich aquatic vegetation, and absence of industrial pollution provide the perfect winter refuge for migratory birds, offering both ample food and secure roosting sites.
The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department has played a pivotal role in this success story. Stringent fishing regulations, invasive species control, and active community participation in conservation efforts have significantly enhanced habitat quality. As the sanctuary continues to thrive, it reaffirms India’s commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainable habitat management
