Sirpur Lake Conservation and Biodiversity
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Indore Municipal Corporation removed encroachments from Sirpur Lake catchment area on National Green Tribunal's order. |
| Ramsar Site Designation | Designated as a Ramsar site on January 7, 2022. |
| Location | Indore district, Madhya Pradesh. |
| Type | Human-made wetland, also known as Pakshi Vihar (bird sanctuary). |
| Origin | Created over 130 years ago by Maharaja Shivaji Rao Holkar for water supply. |
| Characteristics | Shallow, alkaline, nutrient-rich lake that floods during monsoon. |
| Biodiversity | Hosts 175 terrestrial plant species, 6 types of macrophytes, 30 fish species, 8 reptile and amphibian species, and 130 bird species (including migratory birds like Common pochard and Egyptian vulture). |
| Seasonal Importance | Attracts large congregations of waterbirds in winter, serving as a significant seasonal habitat. |
| Local Benefits | Provides fisheries, medicinal plants, acts as a flood buffer, regulates microclimate, and offers spiritual, recreational, and educational opportunities. |
| Conservation Status | Lacks a formal management plan and national legal conservation status. |