Pong dam sanctuary

Pong Dam is situated on the bank of Beas River, flowing in the upstream direction in Talwara district in the province of Himachal Pradesh. The main reason for the creation of the dam was to generate hydroelectricity and effectively run the land-water system. Afterward, the raised water-level made this a naturallake, whichgotits name after the incredible leader of Mewar, Maharana Pratap Sagar.

The claim to fame of this lake is that it is a haven for birds of various species including Red-necked Grebe and Bar-headed Geese. The impact was so huge that the whole lake was proclaimed as a Wildlife Sanctuary in the year 1986 by the Government of Himachal Pradesh. Other than giving a home to numerous birds and animals, Pong Dam additionally fills in as a vacation destination and a great place for water-sports. Activities likewater skiing and kayaking are arranged and operatedcommercially for water-sports lovers and tourists. The whole lake extends to a surface region of 240 square kilometers and during the rainy season, because of the accumulated rainwater, it reaches to a depth of 321 feet.

The climate of Pong Dam is tropicalin summer, which rises up to 45?C. During the rainstorms, the surface zone of the lake expands, and heavy rainfalltakes the water-level up. The normal rainfall estimated every year is around 1207 mm. Stormy seasons are observed between the long stretches of July and September. Generally, the winters are not so chillybutsometimes, when the temperaturegoes down to 5-6?C on the coldest days, it gets harder to derive any fun from the water, for the voyagers.

November to March is the best time to visit the Sanctuary, when the migratory birds come with their full force to the lake. Surveys portray that more than 1,00,000 waterfowls move to the lake during the chilly season every year and continue to increase in number as the time passes. Notwithstanding, in the summers, the travel industry is at its crest with water sports and on a yearly basis, national competitions arealso being arranged.

The lake is nourished by the Beas River and its various enduring tributaries areNeogal, Banganga, Gaj, Uhal, and Banner. The peaceful lake harbors around 22 types of fish, including uncommon fish like Gad and Sal. The satisfactory water dimension of the lake makes it a perfect place to enjoy water sports.

Migratory birds are in plenty here that make them hold their home throughout the winters and some of the summer months. Other than these birds, there are a few different types of reptiles and vertebrates that flourish in the rich biological community of the lake and its encompassing regions. The types of creatures found in the locale are recorded below:

Flora

Fauna

Fish

Avian-fauna

Major attraction - birds