New Delhi, January 5, 2026, 10:10 p.m. IST
Gujarat witnesses a record influx of over 8.3 lakh resident and migratory birds in the 2024-25 season, driven by strong conservation measures and growing eco-tourism appeal.
Gujarat Becomes Prime Migratory Bird Hub
Gujarat has emerged as one of India’s leading sanctuaries for migratory birds, recording an unprecedented surge in avian arrivals during the 2024-25 season.
Recent data released by the state government reveals that more than 8.33 lakh migratory and resident birds flocked to Gujarat’s wetlands this year, underscoring the region’s growing ecological significance.
Among the state’s key habitats, Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary near Jamnagar witnessed 3.09 lakh birds across 334 species, while Nal Sarovar, Gujarat’s largest wetland, hosted over 4.12 lakh birds. Similarly, Thol Bird Sanctuary and Wadhwana Wetland recorded 55,587 and 54,000 avian visitors respectively. Even the arid landscape of Kutch saw 2,564 migratory birds settling across its wetlands and salt marshes.
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Conservation Efforts Behind the Success
Officials from the Forest Department credit this remarkable rise to sustained conservation initiatives, improved water management, and strict anti-poaching measures. Under the leadership of Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia and Minister of State Pravin Mali, several efforts have been launched to rehabilitate wetland habitats and regulate eco-sensitive areas.
Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, which gained Ramsar Site status in 2022, plays a central role in supporting species such as flamingos, pelicans, storks, spoonbills, ibises, ducks, and geese. The sanctuary’s unique blend of freshwater and saline ecosystems has made it a year-round haven for both resident and migratory birds traveling along the Central Asian Flyway, which connects breeding zones in the Arctic and Siberia to wintering grounds in the Indian subcontinent.
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Eco-Tourism Grows Alongside Conservation
The success story extends beyond conservation to eco-tourism. Over 52,400 visitors explored Khijadiya during the 2024-25 season, reflecting increasing public interest in birdwatching and nature-based recreation. The Gujarat government has prioritized sustainable eco-tourism development by improving visitor facilities such as observation towers, nature trails, and interpretation centers across major sanctuaries.
Complementing these efforts is the state’s annual Karuna Abhiyan campaign, held during the Uttarayan kite festival, which focuses on rescuing and treating birds injured by kite strings. The initiative has saved more than 17,000 avian lives in 2025 alone, strengthening Gujarat’s reputation as a bird-friendly state.
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Symbol of Biodiversity and Awareness
Gujarat is home to a thriving bird population, including over 2.85 lakh peafowl, India’s national bird according to the 2023 state wildlife census. Experts say this record sightings highlight the success of Gujarat’s integrated approach combining wildlife protection, community involvement, and tourism planning.
As migratory birds return to Gujarat’s skies year after year, the state stands as a model for balancing ecological preservation and sustainable tourism, reminding the nation that environmental stewardship can drive both biodiversity and economic growth.
