A delight of nature lovers, the Sultanpur National Park will reopen for visitors on September 16 after a gap of three months.

Home to a large range of birds, both resident and migratory, this year, the park has been closed from June 15 to September 15, unlike previous years when the park remained shut for three and half months from June 15 to September 30, said VS Tanwar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, Haryana.

Tanwar said, “A large number of migratory birds visit the park during the season from September to March, which will delight birdwatchers. We expect a large number of visitors on the first day of reopening of the park on September 16.”

Out of total 10,005 species of birds in the world, nearly 370 species migrate to India due to seasonal changes, including 175 long-distance migration species that use the Central air Asian Flyway route and among those over 250 species of birds have been sighted at the protected area, he said.

Meanwhile, some local residents and bird watchers had suggested the state government to reopen the park in September first week as migratory birds started arriving in the park. Taking note of it, State Chief Secretary Keshni Anand Arora had recently directed the wildlife department to review the date of reopening of the park after looking into all aspects including climate change.

Tanwar said, “On the direction of Chief Secretary, a team was formed comprised of senior department officers. They looked into all the aspects including climatic change, optimal arrival of migratory birds as well as suggestions of local residents and bird watchers. Finally we have decided to reopen the park for visitors on September 16.”

The Chief Wildlife Warden further said that Sultanpur National Park is situated on the Gurgaon-Farukhnagar road and was spread over 359 acres when it was declared a bird sanctuary in 1971 and upgraded to the status of a National Park in 1991 by the Haryana Government. "The period between September and March is ideal breeding time for all birds in India near the Tropic of Cancer. We have made adequate food arrangements in the wetland areas spreading over 182 acres inside the sanctuary. Ideal breeding space inside the park also helps in enhancing the population of birds," he added.

Tanwar said that in the last few years, Sultanpur National Park in Gurugram has been recording over 40,000 new species of birds during the season from September to March.

The wildlife department has its own census process to count birds. Camera- trapping is also helpful in this exercise. The wetland planes of northern India have turned into a paradise of migratory birds because of heavy snowfall in Siberia, eastern Europe, Mongolia and northern China.

Another department officer said that the chirm of migratory and domestic birds is attracting a large number of visitors. The national park will remain open from 6.30 am to 4.30 pm with no cap on the number of early morning visitors.

He said, “There are about 90 species of birds at the national park at present and migratory species have also started flying in. There are about 3,000 birds at the park with about 25 species of water birds. “The season has begun and the park is witnessing a large influx of migratory birds. Birders are expected to be delighted to see such beautiful shades and species of birds at one place.

The park has the potential to surprise visitors,” he said, adding the park is a popular picnic spot for residents of New Delhi and the NCR (National Capital Region), especially during the winter migration months when thousands of birds visit here from across the globe.

There are four watch towers (machans) located at different points, an education and interpretation center, a library, films, slides and binoculars for the benefit of bird lovers. A walk along the perimeter of the park takes up to two hours. There is a room dedicated to the memory of Dr. Salim Ali, which contains his bust, photographs, write ups, and some of his personal effects.

 There is public parking, bathrooms, drinking water facilities and a children's park in the reserve. For those wishing to stay overnight, the park also has a well-appointed guest house with all amenities.