Bharatpur, September 28 (Udaipur Kiran News): The Keoladeo National Park (Ghana) in Bharatpur is currently at its scenic best. Thanks to good monsoon rainfall and the release of water from Karauli’s Panchna Dam, the park’s shallow lakes and marshlands have come back to life, creating a vibrant habitat for migratory birds.

This season’s biggest attraction is the Painted Stork, whose population has risen to record levels. Typically seen after August, their numbers have increased unexpectedly due to continuous rainfall. Officials have counted around 1,200 Painted Storks in the park. These striking birds, which migrate from southern India, can now easily be spotted along the lakes and ponds.

The park will also host Wildlife Week from October 2, during which school students will be given free tours to help them understand this natural heritage. The week-long programme will include painting competitions, photography events, and a cycle rally, all aimed at promoting biodiversity and environmental conservation. The park administration has also prepared booklets and checklists for the occasion.

Wildlife Officer Manas Singh said that Keoladeo’s charm is recognised not only in Rajasthan but across the country and the world. The initiative to offer free visits to children aims to build awareness and a sense of responsibility toward preserving this natural treasure.

Spread over 28.73 square kilometres, Keoladeo was declared a protected bird sanctuary in 1981 and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985. Developed nearly 250 years ago, the park is home to over 200 bird species, 34 mammals, 57 fish varieties, and about 372 plant species.