Haleji Lake - Ramsar site no. 101

Haleji Lake - Ramsar site no. 101
https://rsis.ramsar.org/ris/101

Haleji Lake is situated in Thatta, about 88 kilometers from Karachi. Haleji Lake was formed by British government in 1940 during World War II spread over an area of 6.58 km2 (2.54 sq mi) to act as a reservoir for feeder canal for river Indus.

Haleji, is one of the biggest sanctuary for migratory birds. More than 350 species both local and migratory birds have been identified on this lake which includes Widgeon, Pelican, Falcon, Marsh Harrier, Eagle, Teal, Jacana, Flamingo, Pintail, and Northern Shoveller visits the lake while travelling to Africa from Siberia in winters.

In 1977, Sindh Wildlife department declared Haleji Lake “Haleji Wildlife Sanctuary”, to protect the inflow of migratory birds and to provide safe environment. To fulfill the food requirement for birds and crocodiles fishing is also banned in the lake.

The nearby area is covered with swamps, ponds and shallow lakes, separated by marshes and connected by meandering streams and rivers and supporting abundant aquatic vegetation. It is one of the most important breeding, staging and wintering areas for waterbirds in southern Pakistan, supporting between 50,000 and 100,000 birds annually.

The lake is surrounded by a number of small villages which have neither electricity nor schools or any system to provide job-oriented training to its ever-growing population.