Renuka Wetland: a Newfound Abode for Migratory Birds in Himachal Pradesh

Renuka lake, named after the Goddess Renuka ji, the mother of Lord Parashuram, is situated near Dadahu in Sirmour District of Himachal Pradesh. Since years, it has been receiving silt and debris from 22 nallas, which are all around the catchment of the lake, which is causing ecological deterioration, habitat degradation and eutrification, etc. The first author (LM) prepared an action plan during 1999-2000 for the Eco-restoration of the lake. A major thrust was given to check silt and debris going into lake along with water by carrying out Soil conservation and Bio-engineering works, construction of toe wall and filtration tank around the lake and chennalization of water to ensure that only clean water would enter the lake. Visual observations suggest that the rate of siltation has decreased and quality of water has improved as the migratory birds are visiting this lake since 1999-2000. The maximum number of birds i.e. 542 of 13 different species was recorded during 2003-2004. This is one of the indicatol's to show that habitat of this lake has improved.