Gurgaon: Parts of park inaccessible as some summer birds continue to breed

Although the Sultanpur National Park reopened on October 1 for visitors, major parts of the park still remains inaccessible as the breeding process of many birds still continues.

This year, the summer birds start the breeding process late because of high temperature and humidity. “We are monitoring population of water birds, fluctuation of behaviour and are trying to conserve and protect the birds and their younger ones,” said an official at the park.

The official added, “Visitors are allowed till Duck Point. The trails are also restricted from the public to provide privacy to the birds. Only two of the watchtowers are open for the visitors.”

At present, the park is witnessing breeding of sarus crane and painted stork. This year, the authorities have put 1.5 lakh fish into the water body for the rising population of birds in the park.

“We have put additional fish this week into the lake for the breeding and new arriving birds. We want birds to find food easily which is the main motive of migration of these birds,” added the wildlife officer.

Also taking precautionary measures for the birds, specific kinds of grasslands and islands are created in the park.

“We are trying to preserve the wetlands and have created grassland under the mounds. We are working to give the birds a comfortable atmosphere to breed and stay,” Shyam Sunder Kaushik, divisional forest officer (Wildlife) said.

Authorities said they are not sure when the whole park will be opened for visitors.