Parrot Bird Sanctuary Chandigarh

Overview & History

The City Bird Sanctuary, also known as the Parrot Bird Sanctuary, is located in sector 21 of Chandigarh, India. It covers an area of approximately 2.9 hectares and is the second wildlife sanctuary in the city, with the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary being the first.

The sanctuary was notified as a protected area under Section 18 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, due to the large number of parrots found there. In 1998, the area was officially designated as a bird sanctuary due to the presence of numerous birds, particularly parrots.

The Parrot bird sanctuary is known for its beautifully designed benches, popularly referred to as “Taj Mahal Benches” by local teenagers, and is also home to a patch of green cover provided by the Forest and Wildlife Department.

One of the challenges faced by the sanctuary was the disruption of the parrots’ sleep patterns caused by high post lights installed by the Municipal Corporation of U.T., Chandigarh. However, this problem was brought to the attention of the Wildlife Department and the high post lights were switched off.

Out of the total area of 2.9 hectares, 1.8 hectares is open to the public for walking, while the remaining 1.1 hectares is restricted as per the Wildlife Act.

Unfortunately, the number of parrots in the sanctuary has declined over the years, with a reported population of around 2,000 compared to 10,000 a decade ago. More efforts are needed to increase the population of parrots in the sanctuary, such as planting and preserving trees preferred by the parrots.

The Parrot Bird Sanctuary is an important destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, as well as a crucial area for the preservation of parrot species and their habitats. As the first bird sanctuary in the country located within a populated city, it has great significance for the conservation of India’s wildlife heritage.

 

How To Reach Parrot Bird Sanctuary in Chandigarh?

To reach the Parrot Bird Sanctuary in Chandigarh, one can take the following modes of transportation:

  1. By Car: The sanctuary is located in sector 21 of Chandigarh and is easily accessible by car.

  2. By Bus: The local bus service in Chandigarh is a convenient way to reach the sanctuary. Buses stop at the sector 21 bus stop, which is a short walk from the sanctuary.

  3. By Auto-rickshaw: Auto-rickshaws are widely available in Chandigarh and are a quick and affordable way to reach the sanctuary.

  4. By Smart Cycle: The Smart Cycle point system is available in Chandigarh and offers a sustainable way to reach the sanctuary. One can rent a Smart Cycle from one of the rental points in the city and cycle to the sanctuary.

Amenities

The Parrot Bird Sanctuary in Chandigarh offers several amenities to its visitors:

  1. Parking: Adequate parking facilities are available for visitors who arrive by personal vehicles.

  2. Benches: There are many beautifully designed benches within the sanctuary, popularly referred to as “Taj Mahal Benches” by local teenagers.

  3. Walking paths: Visitors can walk along designated paths within the sanctuary, which covers an area of 2.9 hectares.

  4. Restrooms: Clean and hygienic restrooms are available for visitors to use.

  5. Information boards: Informative boards and signages are displayed at various locations within the sanctuary, providing information about the bird species, the importance of the sanctuary, and the do’s and don’ts.

  6. Photography: Visitors are allowed to take photographs and videos within the sanctuary, subject to the rules and regulations specified by the Wildlife Department.

  7. Accessibility: The sanctuary is accessible to all, including physically challenged visitors, with ramps and handrails provided for convenience.

Note: The amenities may be subject to change or variation depending on the local authorities and the ongoing pandemic situation.

Interesting Facts About Parrot Bird Sanctuary Chandigarh

How Can Citizens Help Keep Parrot Bird Sanctuary Chandigarh Clean And Safe?

Citizens can help keep Parrot Bird Sanctuary Chandigarh clean and safe by following these steps:

  1. Refrain from littering: Don’t litter or dispose of waste improperly. Use the available dustbins or take your litter with you.

  2. Respect wildlife: Do not disturb or feed the birds as this can affect their natural behaviors and increase the risk of disease.

  3. Follow the rules: Observe all rules and regulations posted in the sanctuary. This includes not entering restricted areas, and avoiding disturbing nesting sites or disturbing birds.

  4. Plant trees and vegetation: Encourage and support efforts to plant trees and other vegetation in and around the sanctuary. This will provide food and habitats for birds.

  5. Be a responsible pet owner: Keep your pets under control and on a leash to avoid disturbing wildlife.

  6. Support conservation efforts: Support conservation efforts in the sanctuary by volunteering, donating, or spreading awareness about the importance of protecting the parrot bird habitat.

  7. Report illegal activities: Report any illegal activities such as hunting, poaching, or destruction of habitats to the authorities.

  8. Conserve water: conserve water in the sanctuary and surroundings to maintain its natural habitat.

  9. Avoid using chemical fertilizers: Use organic fertilizers and avoid the use of chemical fertilizers to maintain the natural balance in the sanctuary.

  10. Support eco-friendly tourism: support eco-friendly tourism activities in the sanctuary to reduce its impact on the environment and the wildlife habitat.

By following these simple steps, citizens can help keep Parrot Bird Sanctuary Chandigarh a clean and safe place for all travelers.

 

How Can Tourists Help Keep Parrot Bird Sanctuary Chandigarh Clean And Safe?

Tourists can help keep the Parrot Bird Sanctuary in Chandigarh clean and safe by following these steps:

  1. Do not litter: Ensure that you dispose of any waste properly in designated bins or take it with you when you leave.

  2. Respect wildlife: Do not disturb the birds or interfere with their habitat in any way.

  3. Respect the rules: Follow the rules and regulations of the sanctuary, such as not using flash photography, not feeding the birds, and not climbing on trees or structures.

  4. Educate others: If you see others littering or breaking the rules, kindly educate them about the importance of preserving the sanctuary for future generations.

  5. Report incidents: Report any incidents of littering, disturbance of wildlife, or damage to the habitat to the authorities.

  6. Support conservation efforts: Support conservation efforts by making a donation or volunteering for activities that help preserve the sanctuary and its habitat.

 

 

FAQs About Parrot Bird Sanctuary in Chandigarh

The Parrot Bird Sanctuary is a protected area in the city of Chandigarh, India that is dedicated to the preservation of parrot species and their habitats.

 

 

The sanctuary is located in sector 21 of Chandigarh.

 

 

The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 2.9 hectares.

 

 

The sanctuary is primarily home to hundreds of parrots.

 

 

No, the Parrot Bird Sanctuary is the second wildlife sanctuary in Chandigarh, with the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary located near Sukhna Lake being the first.

 

The sanctuary was notified as a bird sanctuary in 1998 due to the presence of a large number of birds, particularly parrots, in the area.

 

Yes, out of the total area of 2.9 hectares, 1.8 hectares is open to the public for walking, while the remaining 1.1 hectares is restricted.

 

One of the main challenges faced by the sanctuary is the disruption of the parrots’ sleep patterns caused by high post lights installed by the Municipal Corporation of U.T., Chandigarh.

 

The number of parrots in the sanctuary has unfortunately declined over the years, with a reported number of 10,000 a decade ago and now only around 2,000.

 

The sanctuary is important for the preservation of parrot species and their habitats and is also the first bird sanctuary in the country that is situated within a populated city, making it a unique and crucial destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.