Chari-Dhand Wetland Conservation Reserve, Wetland conservation reserve in Kutch district, Gujarat, India.
Chari-Dhand Wetland Conservation Reserve is a protected wetland on the edge of the Banni grasslands and salt flats in the Rann of Kutch region of Gujarat. It covers reed beds, open water zones, and sandy shores that shift in appearance from one season to the next.
The Gujarat State Forest Department designated the area as Protected Forest in 2008, following recommendations from local conservation groups. That step came after years of observation of the ecological value of this landscape.
The name comes from the local Kutchi language: Chari refers to salty ground and Dhand means shallow wetlands. Walking through the area makes the meaning of both words immediately clear.
Bhuj is the nearest large town and the usual starting point for a visit to this reserve. Going early in the morning gives cooler temperatures and more active wildlife, which makes the experience more rewarding.
During the monsoon season, around 200,000 birds gather here, including Dalmatian Pelicans and Black-necked Storks, making this one of the largest seasonal bird gatherings in the region. Many visitors are surprised by this, since the area can look nearly empty outside that season.
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