Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary is a 120.82 sq km natural haven located about an hour's drive from Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It's a vital wintering ground for thousands of migratory birds, attracting an impressive number of species. The sanctuary's history dates back to the 15th century, when a check dam was built across the Sabarmati river, creating the lake that is now known as Nalsarovar. In 1969, it was formally declared a bird sanctuary by the Gujarat government.

The history of Nalsarovar dates back to the 15th century when the lake was created as a result of the construction of a check dam across the Sabarmati river. The lake was initially used for irrigation and as a source of drinking water for nearby villages. Over time, the lake became an important habitat for a variety of bird species, and local communities recognized its ecological significance. In the early 20th century, the British colonial administration recognized the importance of Nalsarovar as a wetland ecosystem and established it as a protected area. In 1969, the Gujarat government declared Nalsarovar a bird sanctuary to primarily protect its bird population.
The Ramsar Convention designation of Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary in 2012 recognized its ecological importance as a wetland habitat for birds and other wildlife. The designation provides a framework for the conservation and sustainable use of the sanctuary and its surrounding wetlands. It also acknowledges the socio-economic importance of the wetlands to the local communities who depend on them for their livelihoods.





