The Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake, created in 1970s is the chief wetlands in Northwest India. Spread over 307 sq km this wetland remains an ultimate bliss for the birds and angler’s delight. The Dam was constructed to generate power and regulate the supply of irrigation water and to control monsoon flooding in Punjab. The raised water level thus created an artificial lake which was named after the great ruler of Mewar – Maharana Pratap.
The place is now a wildlife sanctuary with over 400 avian species being recorded in the wetland and the surroundings. The wetland is a host to considerable number of water birds, like Northern Lapwing, Spot-Billed Duck, Barheaded Geese, Woolly necked Grebe, Painted stork, Ruddy Shel-duck, Northern Pin-tail and many more.
Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake is a paradise to many fishes as well like plovers, egrets, black-headed gulls, terns, etc. One can also have the glimpse of Red Jungle Fowl, Hoopoe, Blue Whistling Thrush, Asian Pied Flycatcher and Whistle Throated Kingfisher in the surrounding areas.
Wetland is also a home to some of the globally threatened species like Greater Spotted Eagle, White rumped Vulture, Red headed Vulture, Red necked Falcon, Saker Falcon, Sarus Crane, Painted Stork, Asian Open bill etc. One can also spot animals like Sambar, Wild-boars, oriental small-clawed Otters, Leopards and barking dears.
Besides an abode to many migratory birds, Pong Dam also serves as a prime center for water-sports. Various water sports like canoeing, rowing, sailing, and water skiing, apart from swimming are carried out commercially for tourists and water-sports enthusiasts here. The ideal time to visit the Sanctuary is in winters (November – March) when the population of migratory birds is at its peak.
