The Okhla Bird Sanctuary, in India's capital Delhi, has become popular with young people, especially after the pandemic lockdowns. All photos: Taniya Dutta / The National
The sanctuary is home to more than 300 bird species, including some that are critically endangered species, such as the white-rumped and Indian vultures
A kingfisher in the sanctuary
Activists say the promotion of eco-tourism is harming the conservation area, which is already under stress from climate change and encroachments
Seagulls
The Northern shoveler, a medium-sized duck
Black-necked stilt
Bar-headed geese
Indian pond heron
The sanctuary lies on the highly polluted Yamuna river shared by the twin cities of Delhi and Noida, but efforts are under way to reduce waste and emissions from the concrete jungles
More young people are choosing to spend their weekends here rather than at fancy shopping malls and restaurants
Migratory birds also make routine stops here
The 3.5-square-kilometre sanctuary is a favourite for hordes of birdwatchers and nature lovers
There are as many as 450 bird species found in the city and over seven bird sanctuaries, with Okhla being the largest
Delhi is ranked among the capital cities with the highest number of bird species in the world
