Bird Walk at Bhadbhada Dam, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

  • Bhopal
  • 1 February, 2026
  • Sarang Mhatre

About Bhadbhada Dam

The Bhadbhada Dam is a significant hydraulic structure built in 1965 at the southeast corner of Upper Lake (Bhojtal) in Bhopal, forming an integral part of one of India’s most important urban wetland systems. The dam itself consists of a series of sluice gates that regulate outflow into the Kaliasote River, playing a key role in flood control and water management for the city’s drinking water supply. Bhadbhada’s setting amid the sprawling Ramsar-designated Bhoj Wetland creates a unique mosaic of open water, littoral vegetation and adjacent semi-natural green spaces, supporting a diversity of aquatic plants, submerged macrophytes, reeds and emergent vegetation that together form the backbone of the wetland’s ecology. These habitats provide food, shelter and breeding grounds for an array of fish, amphibians, insects and wetland flora, creating the essential ecological foundation for the rich wildlife that thrives here.
For nature lovers and birdwatchers, the area around Bhadbhada Dam and the broader Bhoj Wetland is a birding paradise, especially during the cooler months when hundreds of waterbirds, ducks, herons, egrets and migratory species flock to the shallows and reedbeds. Species such as cormorants, egrets, herons, darters and various duck species are regularly observed, making it a magnet for photographers and ornithologists alike. However, this ecological jewel is under growing pressure from urbanisation, pollution and habitat disturbance. Encroachment around the lake, untreated sewage inflows and nutrient-rich runoff contribute to water quality degradation and eutrophication, while proposals for increased recreational use (such as cruise vessels) and development in the catchment threaten the delicate balance of this wetland ecosystem. Conservation efforts by local authorities and environmental groups aim to manage these challenges and protect the rich biodiversity that makes Bhadbhada and the Bhoj Wetland truly special.

Partnered with

Bird Guide: Sarang Mhatre

He is a bird expert, naturalist, Master trainer for Anubhuti Eco Camp in MP and a wildlife photographer. He has been working with MP Forest Department since 2016 and is the co-founder of Tarang EcoTours.

Bird walk Location

Common birds of Bhadbhada Dam

Bhadbhada Dam at Bhoj Wetland (Upper Lake), Bhopal is not just an engineering landmark — it’s also at the heart of a vibrant birding landscape where nearly 175 bird species have been sighted, making every visit a treat for bird lovers. The shimmering waters and marshy edges attract stately waterbirds such as Knob-billed Duck, Indian Spot-billed Duck, Cotton Pygmy Goose, Indian Cormorant, Little Egret, Great Egret, Pond Heron and soaring Woolly-necked Storks that patrol the skies, while the rare and elegant Sarus Crane graces the shallow shallows with its towering presence. Waders and terns like Wood, Green and Common Sandpipers, Common Sandpiper and the streamlined River Tern frequent the mudflats, while raptors such as the Western Marsh Harrier and Black Kite quarter the open waters and surrounding fields. 

In the scrub and treetops, colourful and charismatic passerines — from Asian Green Bee-eaters, Purple and Purple-rumped Sunbirds, Golden Orioles to busy Common Mynas, Red-vented and Red-whiskered Bulbuls, Ashy Prinia and White-throated Kingfisher — bring sound and colour to the lakeside. Parakeets like Alexandrine Parakeet, vibrant Streaked Long-tailed Shrike, Greater Coucal, Scaly-breasted and Indian Silverbills and ubiquitous House Sparrows complete the rich tapestry, making Bhadbhada Dam and the surrounding Bhoj Wetland a truly unmissable destination for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Knob-billed Duck
Indian Spot-billed Duck
Green Sandpiper
Western Marsh Harrier
Common Sandpiper

Little Egret
Ashy Prinia
Indian Cormorant
Black-winged Stilt
Indian Pond Heron
Greater Coucal
Red-wattled Lapwing
Black Kite
River Tern
Purple Sunbird
Red-vented Bulbul
White-throated Kingfisher
Great Egret
Long-tailed Shrike
House Sparrow

Summary of Walk

The bird walk at Bhadbhada Dam, Bhopal, led by bird expert Sarang, took place under challenging weather conditions, with heavy fog and cold limiting attendance to just two participants. Despite this, the serene landscape of reservoir waters, surrounding hills, and wooded patches created an ideal birding atmosphere. The location proved its richness as the group recorded an impressive 47 bird species during the walk.
Key sightings included Purple Heron, Indian Roller, Yellow Wagtail, Yellow-wattled Lapwing, Asian Woolly-necked Stork, and Crested Lark. Sarang shared practical knowledge on bird identification, binocular use, seasonal migration, and conservation, helping participants understand how climate and habitat influence avian diversity. The walk turned into a deeply personalized and immersive learning experience.
Number of Participants
0
ataavi-logo
ATAAVI Bird Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a deeper connection between people and the avian diversity of India. Through advocacy, education and conservation efforts, we strive to increase awareness and appreciation for birds across communities.

About

Terms

Contact

© 2026 Ataavi. All rights reserved.
Scroll to Top