What tourism took away, silence has brought back at Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary. The Ramsar site has recorded over five lakh birds across 200 species in its latest census, a sharp 21% jump from 4.12 lakh in 2024, largely due to the absence of boating, reduced tourist movement and minimal noise pollution over the past two years.Around 250 boatmen operated at the lake before boating activity was suspended due to safety concerns in the aftermath of Harni tragedy in Vadodara in Jan 2024. Experts say that the increase in numbers shows how minimal human interference in sensitive wetland habitats can directly influence bird abundance, with undisturbed zones encouraging larger congregations and longer stays.The final consolidated figure is still being compiled by the forest department, but the overall count has already crossed the five-lakh mark, indicating one of the most successful seasons for the sanctuary. Officials attributed the rise to favourable habitat conditions and improved water management across the wetland. The water level at the sanctuary currently stands at around 3.5 feet, which experts and field staff described as conducive for roosting and feeding. Controlled flow of Narmada water, following sustained efforts by the forest department, has helped maintain stable wetland conditions through the season, supporting higher bird presence and distribution. Aradhana Sahoo, chief conservator of forests associated with Nalsarovar wetland, confirmed that census teams have already recorded counts above five lakh. While the final figure is yet to be released after verification and compilation, she added that the sanctuary has seen a large number of migratory birds arriving this year.Devvratsinh Mori, a member of the State Wildlife Board who participated in the Nalsarovar Bird Estimation 2026, said he observed that areas with less tourist disturbance had richer, more abundant birdlife. “This is an important observation for future conservation and management,” he said. “During the census, we also recorded some rare species such as Pale Martin, Australian stilt, and greater white-fronted goose. These sightings further highlight the importance of Nalsarovar as a vital wetland habitat,” he said.However, observers noted that flamingos and cranes were comparatively fewer this season — down by around 20 per cent — even as the total number of migratory birds reached its highest level in recent count cycles.
