Pani Dihing Wildlife Sanctuary, Protected wildlife area in Sivasagar district, India.
Pani Dihing Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Sivasagar district, Assam, made up of grasslands, wetlands, and a network of waterways. It sits between the Brahmaputra river to the northwest and the Disang river to the south, with smaller channels like Tokia, Jarjaria, and Boloma running through it.
The sanctuary was designated in 1996 by the Assam government, following ornithological surveys carried out in the late 1980s that highlighted the area's value for bird life. The surveys provided the evidence needed to give the wetlands formal protection under Indian wildlife law.
Pani Dihing is best known as a resting point for migratory birds passing through on long journeys between distant regions. During the winter months, the wetlands fill with waterfowl that visitors can observe from the banks and open clearings.
The sanctuary lies about 22 kilometers from Sivasagar town, and the dry season between November and April is the most comfortable time to visit. Sturdy footwear is a good idea, as paths through the wetlands can be uneven and wet even in drier months.
The sanctuary floods regularly during the monsoon season because of its low-lying position between two large rivers, and this annual cycle of flooding is what keeps the wetlands productive for birds. Many visitors are surprised to find that this seasonal flooding, rather than being a problem, is what draws so many species to the area each year.
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