Chari-Dhand Wetland Conservation Reserve, Wetland conservation reserve in Kutch district, Gujarat, India.
Chari-Dhand Wetland Conservation Reserve is a protected wetland at the edge of Banni grasslands and salt flats in the Rann of Kutch region of Gujarat. The area contains reed beds, open water zones, and sandy shores that change appearance with the seasons.
The Gujarat State Forest Department established the area as Protected Forest in 2008 following recommendations from local conservation groups. This designation marked an important moment in recognizing the ecological value of this landscape.
The name comes from the local Kutchi language: Chari refers to salty ground and Dhand means shallow wetlands. These terms reflect what visitors see in the landscape today.
The best access is through the nearby city of Bhuj, which serves as the main entry point. Visitors should arrive early in the morning to enjoy birdwatching at sunrise and take advantage of cooler hours.
During monsoon season, over 200,000 birds arrive here, including Dalmatian Pelicans, Oriental Darters, and Black-necked Storks. These numbers represent some of the largest bird movements in this region during the seasonal period.
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