Harike Wild Life Sanctuary, at the confluence of the Beas and Sutlej rivers, covers approximately 86 sq km and is a Ramsar site

Background

Harike is one of the most important Wild Life Sanctuaries of not only Punjab but also of India. It is situated on the confluence of the Beas and Sutlej rivers, and the sanctuary encompasses an area of approximately 86 sq km. The area was declared a Wild Life Sanctuary in 1999, and because of its importance as a wetland of international stature it was declared a Ramsar site in 1990. Around 375 bird species have been recorded; 40 species were long distance migrants which pass through or winter at Harike lake, some from as far off as Siberia and the Arctic. Some 45,000 ducks have been recorded here during the peak migratory season, among them the wigeon, common teal, pintail, shoveller and brahminy ducks. The lake is particularly famous for diving ducks such as the crested pochard, common pochard and tufted ducks. Apart from avifauna, 7 species of turtle and 26 species of fish have been recorded, and the mammals found at Harike include the smooth Indian otter, the jungle cat, jackal, Indian wild boar and the common mongoose. The major problems facing the sanctuary are encroachments on the wetland habitat, widespread infestation of water hyacinth weed, siltation and the drainage of untreated industrial effluents.