Bhigwan: A Sanctuary of Life and Emotion
Wetlands occur where water meets land and are the areas saturated or flooded with water either permanently or seasonally. World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on 2nd February. Observation of Wetlands Day is ideal for increasing people’s understanding of these critically important ecosystems. This ToonLogs is about Bhigwan, one of the wetlands. Bhigwan is not just a bird sanctuary; it’s an emotion. It is a haven for bird enthusiasts, hosting various bird species with the prospect of capturing more than 230 varieties of birds. Bhigwan serves as an exemplary ecotourism model, playing a crucial role in conservation efforts and having the potential for replication across various other locations.   The conservation of natural resources paves the way for a brighter future for the future generation. While nature enthusiasts want to travel, explore, and enjoy the beauty nature offers, it is the duty of all to preserve and ensure that what nature possesses is not denied to future generations.
Wetlands occur where water meets land and are the areas saturated or flooded with water either permanently or seasonally. World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on 2nd February. It marks the date of adoption of the Convention on Wetlands in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar. Ramsar site is a wetland of international importance. Recognising the need to protect the wetlands, the UN has adopted the resolution to observe 2 February as World Wetlands Day. Observation of Wetlands Day is ideal for increasing people’s understanding of these critically important ecosystems.
We have posted ToonLogs on the theme “World Wetlands Day” two times earlier. In this ToonLogs, we are writing about one of the wetlands sites, Bhigwan.
Bhigwan is not just a bird sanctuary; it’s an emotion. It’s evident in the resilience and spirit of those who toil here as fishermen and fisherwomen, farmers irrigating their sugarcane fields. Local villagers continue to practice traditional fishing methods with their livelihoods intertwined with the ebb and flow of the sanctuary’s waters and the arrival and departure of its feathered visitors.
Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary is a haven for bird enthusiasts, hosting various bird species. The prospect of capturing more than 230 varieties of birds, most of them are migratory. The sanctuary is particularly famous for the arrival of the Greater Flamingos, which grace the waters with their elegant presence. Other rare migratory birds visiting Bhigwan are the Bar-headed Goose (a native of Mongolia known for crossing the Himalayas in one go), Shiny Ibis, and Red Phalarope.
Visitors can easily spot Pond and Grey Herons, Painted and Asian Open-Billed Storks, Spoon-billed and Spot-billed Ducks, Little Cormorants, and Yellow-wattled Lapwings. With some luck, one might spot Rudy Shelduck, Northern Shoveler, Osprey, Black-bellied Plover, Eurasian Coots, Oriental Pratincole, and Oriental Darters.
Bhigwan is about 100 km by road from Pune en route to Solapur and serves as a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the cities. It is located on the backwaters of the Ujain Dam on the Bhima River.
During the winters, a boat ride on the tranquil waters of Bhigwan becomes a journey into a world of avian wonders. The evening ride offers an otherworldly experience, with the dazzling colours of the sky changing each passing minute. This spectacle, coupled with the sight of birds returning to their nests, makes for lovely pictures and a mesmerising moment worth your time.
Bhigwan serves as an exemplary ecotourism model, playing a crucial role in conservation efforts and having the potential for replication across various other locations. Sustainable tourism fosters their connection and commitment to nature conservation. It is contributing to the preservation of biological diversity. The conservation of natural resources paves the way for a brighter future for the future generation. While nature enthusiasts want to travel, explore, and enjoy the beauty nature offers, it is the duty of all to preserve and ensure that what nature possesses is not denied to future generations.
Bhigwan is more than a bird sanctuary. It’s a symphony of life, a dance of humans and nature in harmony, and a testament to the beauty of coexistence. It’s an emotion that resonates with all who visit, leaving them with memories that last a lifetime.
Needs to protect the wetlands for the human wellbeing.
Toons: Reema Jaiswal
Logs: Reema Jaiswal and M. Sai Baba
ToonLogs
The ToonLogs on the theme “World Wetlands Day” two times earlier, which can be accessed at:
