Bajwat Wildlife Sanctuary

The Bajwat Wildlife Sanctuary includes a complex of natural riverine habitats, IUCN category IV, near Sialkot along the Chenab River and two of its tributaries, extending up to the Indian border. Its total area is 5400 ha. The sanctuary lies in a sensitive border zone and is relatively inaccessible. No proper surveys have been carried out in the area, but it is known to host about 50,000 waterfowl such as Anser anser, Anser indicus and Tadorna ferruginea, as well as a variety of mammals including Hog Deer and Nilgai. The only known threat is illegal hunting, for which the area has been declared a Game Reserve.The Baglihar Dam on River Chenab in Occupied Kashmir could bear serious repercussions.Below the Bajwat Peninsula is a place where Chenab, Jammu Tavvi, and Manavar Tavvi meet at one place. Marala Headworks has been constructed at this point to feed Upper Chenab Canal and Marala Ravi Link Canal. The area between these two canals is being developed as the Marala Barrage Park. The area will be a complete recreation spot including Miniature Gardens, Leisure Parks, Aviaries, Swimming Pools, Tourist Huts, Rest Houses, Bar-b-Cue facilities etc, spread out on 220 canals (27.5 acres). It will be a joint venture of Sialkot District Government of and Punjab Wildlife Department.

ee Also

*Marala Headworks
*Sialkot

Reference

http://www.ramsar.org/ram/ram_rpt_18e.htm