Sultanpur National Park

About Sultanpur National Park:

• It is located in the Gurgaon district of Haryana, 46 km from Delhi.
• Formerly known as Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, it spans 1.42 sq.km., consisting primarily of marshy lakes and floodplains.
• It includes a core area of 1.21 sq. km containing the main Sultanpur Lake/Jheel.
  • The Sultanpur Jheel is a seasonal freshwater wetland with fluctuating water levels throughout the year.
  • This shallow lake is mostly fed by waters from River Yamuna’s Gurgaon canal and the overflowing waters of the neighboring agricultural lands. 
• It was recognised as a Ramsar site, a wetland of international importance, in 2021. It has been identified as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.
• Flora: The vegetation is characterized by tropical and dry deciduous types such as grasses, dhok, khair, tendu, jamun, neem, berberis, and species of Acacia.
• Fauna:
  • Over 320 bird species have been recorded at Sultanpur, making it a vital wintering ground.
  • It forms a part of the ‘Central Asian Migratory Flyway’ and thousands of migratory birds from the countries of Russia, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Europe visit the park during the winter months. 
  • Some iconic species found here are the Common Hoopoe, Purple Sunbird, Black Francolin, Little Cormorant, Indian Cormorant, Siberian Crane, and Greater Flamingo.
  • Other migratory birds that flock seasonally include the Common Teal, Common Greenshank and Ruff.
  • In addition to the avian species, some other faunal species, such as Nilgai, Sambar, Golden jackals, wild dog, striped hyenas, Indian porcupine, mongoose, etc., are also found here.

Q1: What is a Ramsar site?

A Ramsar Site is a wetland site designated to be of international importance. These wetlands are protected under strict guidelines of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, also known as the Convention on Wetlands, is an intergovernmental treaty for the conservation and wise use of wetlands.

Source: Submit report on illegal construction near Sultanpur National Park, secy asks Gurgaon admin