Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary is a protected area famed for its wide variety of birds, butterflies, epiphytes, ferns and orchids. Located in close proximity to the bustling metropolis of Kolkata, this small (17 acre) sanctuary is a short drive to the south of the city. Locally known as 'Kayaler Bagan', the area was originally notified as a sanctuary in 1982 but could only be converted to one after the acquisition of land by the Government of West Bengal. It was later renamed as Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary after the noted artist Chintamani Kar who, along with local people and NGOs, fought for decades to obtain wildlife sanctuary status for 'Kayaler Bagan'. The sanctuary used to be an old abandoned orchard and the area surrounding it is a mix of orchards, bamboo brakes, waterbodies and wasteland. Enormous mango trees dominate the landscape of the sanctuary with jackfruit, coconut palm, tamarind, guava and others trees. A new bamboo plantation has been started to attract different species of birds and butterflies.
COMMENTS