Okhla Sanctuary is located on the Yamuna River at the Okhla barrage and is basically a bird sanctuary. Situated on the Delhi – Uttar Pradesh State border in Gautam Budh Nagar district of Noida, it is home to more than three hundred species of birds particularly water birds. The government of Uttar Pradesh allotted an area of 3.5 KM in the year 1990 on the river Yamuna for bird sanctuary under the Wildlife Protection Act.

This sanctuary is located at a place where Yamuna River enters Uttar Pradesh. The most important characteristic of this sanctuary is that a large reservoir has been formed by damming the river. Towards the west of this lake is the Okhla village and on the east is the Gautam Budh Nagar. Located at the entrance of Noida, this sanctuary is spread over an area of four square kilometres.

History

Ever since the Agra canal was constructed, this area had been the preferred spot for people who like to watch birds. This dates back to the year 1874. Major General H. P.W. Huston was on an ornithological survey and recorded the birds of Okhla. Birdwatching activity increased at this site as the barrage was constructed and a lake was formed from it.

With the passage of time, the bird count has reduced particularly because of pollution in the river Yamuna and shrinking water area and marshlands.

Flora and Fauna

More than 188 species of plants have been recorded, among them 121 are herbs and ten are shrubs. There are nine species of herbaceous climbers, thirty species of trees, and 16 species of grasses. About ten species of critically endangered birds have been recorded apart from other species of nearly threatened birds.

Among the 320 different varieties of birds that are found here, 20 are common resident water birds, 26 are migratory woodland birds, 43 are migratory water birds, and 44 are common resident woodland birds.

Time to Visit

This place can be visited on weekdays from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm and on Sunday till 3 pm. Entry fees per head is thirty rupees, plus there are additional charges for taking camera along with you.