Those were the early days of my Bird watching and Bird Photography. It was Google Maps which led me to the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. I had done a couple of trips to ARAI Hill and Pashan Lake for Bird Photography by this time. I was looking for a different place nearby where I can find a different terrain and most importantly a different ecology. In milder words, I was a bit bored with ‘the known‘ places. One day I was playing around a bit with google maps to see anything green around Pune. That’s when near Yerawada, I saw Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Basically, I was startled to know that there is a sanctuary in the city limits of Pune!
I talked with my father who was a Forest Department Officer and coincidentally had worked in the Dr. Salim Ali Sanctuary for a brief amount of time. I asked him about the sanctuary. He told me a brief but incredibly sad story of this little Sanctuary.
It was private property many years ago. The place is near Mula-Mutha riverbed, has a particularly good biodiversity and is a natural sanctuary. The sanctuary was dedicated to Dr. Salim Ali almost 20 years ago. The Sanctuary was handed over to the Forest Department and then in about 10 years it got transferred to Pune Municipal Corporation. I don’t know who did what, but it is not the same sanctuary I used to work for anymore. It’s a pity. But it’s the case with almost any natural habitat anyways…
When I told him that I wanted to go there for birding, he was adamant to join me. Since, in his opinion, it is not safe to go by yourself to the Sanctuary. It has not just remained a sanctuary. It’s a dumping ground of addicts, convicts, criminals, and thieves. So, a little advice from me DO NOT GO BY YOURSELF!
Anyways, enough of serious stuff, I am sure must have understood the seriousness. Let’s move to a more fun part. Finally, we decided to go there. It was the 27th of December 2015. We reached the place at around 7 AM. I was surprised because I have used this road so many times but, never noticed this gate. It is near the cremation place! We parked our bikes outside. It was a fairly chilly morning and there was fog.
The place was DUMP! Honestly, I did not expect anything. But, still, I tagged along with my father since he knew the place and the paths. Like I mentioned in my previous blogs, I feel he brings luck in Bird Photography and overall birding.
Through shrubs and trees, we walked towards the shore of the river. I could hear birds chirping around. Mostly sunbirds. I was seeing garbage all over. It was an incredibly sad scene. Still, I didn’t lose hope I took out my gear. The first bird I spotted was a Western Yellow Wagtail
We found a place near the shore which was slightly cleaner than the rest of the place. I was amazed to see a great string of birds around! We were sitting on rocks, surrounded by garbage and odor. It was a strange situation. It was like a beautiful necklace placed in the dustbin.
I observed a string of waterbird and other terrestrial species of birds while sitting there
- Indian Spot-Billed Ducks
- Black-Winged Stilt
- Common Kingfisher
- Gey Headed Swamphen
- Red Wattled Lapwing
- Ruddy Shelduck
- Painted Stork
- Common Sandpiper
- Grey Heron
- Common Drongo
- Pond Heron
- Kite
- Babbler
- Common Koot
I clicked many photos I wish you take a look at the gallery below. I hope you will enjoy the photos. Many photos have more than one species of the birds too 🙂
At around 11 AM we left the Sanctuary. I was left with a confused and a very awkward feeling. Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a fantastic place for birding, turned into a dumping ground by the local administration. Truly a Paradise Ruined!
I have not visited this place since then, but I am not too optimistic about its situation. I am sure it’s still a dump, criminals and drunkards still roam around freely. All I can recommend is go with some company and that too in daylight. It is as safe as you are with good company. I really feel bad about this place… pity maybe? I wish someone in the government would clean up the place and start taking diligent care of it. I have heard that Flamingos used to visit this place. Alas…