Annually migratory birds from all over Central Asia make their epic journey to the foothills of Chakrata to Aasan barrage, India’s First Wetland Conservation Reserve. This man-made reservoir plays the perfect host to migratory birds who nest here for the long winter months ahead.
Crossing oceans and landmasses these feathered friends have for over a decade now, made this pristine lakeside its winter abode from end of October. The chorus of these birds arriving in droves, is a welcome sound and sight for one to behold. . At a closer look, when they glide over the lake, one will witness a spectacular riot of colours and buzzing of rarest of rare birds.
Sprawling over one and a half kilometres, Aasan Barrage is a favourite haunt not only for avian lovers but also tired souls looking for a get-away from the hustle-bustle of daily life. Mouli, an Engineer from Bengaluru has been a regular at the lake side, “I live my life in the fast lane. I read about this amazing, serene place and decided to take a break. Its been therapy just sitting here and looking at these beautiful birds.”
Monotonous chirping of birds in the sky and a spring tide of birds gliding over the lake, in such proximity adds charm for bird watchers. Ashok Mitra, from West Bengal, a regular visitor with binoculars strapped around his neck pin-points birds and rattles off names, “Most of all, you get to see Red Crested Pochard, then you see Tufted Pochard, Brahminy ducks in thousands, C. Teal here and there, the rare Greylag, Wigeon or the Pintail Shoveller if you are lucky ! You might get a glimpse of Mallard, Gadwall is you get up-close,” he signs off.
As the sun set’s beyond the ranges, the chirping of the birds rises over the lake. As if, in symphony they celebrate their home-coming to Aasan Barrage, year after year, to their home away from home.
