The 2025 annual bird count at Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary has recorded a significant increase in waterfowl population.

• A total of 1,53,719 birds belonging to 97 species were documented during the survey.
• Officials noted an unprecedented surge in the number of migratory birds.
• Among the key findings, the population of Bar-headed Geese, the flagship species of the sanctuary, witnessed a sharp rise.

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Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary

• Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary a man made reservoir formed due to the construction of the Pong Dam on the Beas River.
• It is also known as the Maharana Pratap Sagar.
• Geographical Setting: It is situated in the wetland zone of the Shivalik hills in Himachal Pradesh.
• Ecological Importance:
  • Declared a “Wetland of National Importance” by the Government of India in 1994.
  • Designated as a Ramsar site in 2002, recognizing its international significance.
• Flora of Pong Dam Lake
  • The vegetation at Pong Dam Lake consists of submerged vegetation, grasslands, and forests.
  • The dominant tree species in the region include eucalyptus, acacia, and shisham.
• Notable Wildlife Finding:
  • The Bar-headed Goose, the flagship species of the sanctuary, has witnessed a sharp rise in population in the latest bird count.

About Beas River

• Origin: The Beas River originates from Beas Kund, located near Rohtang Pass in the Dhauladhar Range, Himachal Pradesh.
• It is one of the five rivers that give Punjab its name (“Punjab” means “Land of Five Rivers”).
• Course: It flows through the states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.
• Confluence: The Beas meets the Sutlej River at Harike Wetland in Punjab
  • The Harike Wetland  is a Ramsar Site and a crucial habitat for migratory birds.
• Major Tributaries:
  • Left Bank Tributaries: Bain, Banganga, Chakki.
  • Right Bank Tributaries: Uhl, Luni, Gaj, Suketi.

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