Vadodara, December 15: THE forest department has recently sent a proposal to turn the picturesque wetland of Wadvana, located 50 km from Vadodara city, into a community reserve.

Wadvana is a massive wetland playing host to 27,000 birds, who migrate here for the winter, of which at least 60 belong to exotic species. Several bird species, including Mallard, Shovellers, Poachards, Tufted ducks, Grey Neck Geese, Teals, Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Wigeon, Gadwawll, Dalmatians, Flamingos, Rosy Pelicans wade upto Wadwana for winter.

As a community reserve, the wetland would be protected and simultaneously open for the public. Vadodara Conservator of Forests, H S Singh, claims that though the process of getting community reserve status for the wetland would take some time, it should make the people living in surrounding areas more cautious. ‘‘Rules for reserve areas are tough. This new concept would provide a liberal approach to conservation efforts wherein the local community is allowed to use resources,’’ says Singh.

If the proposal is accepted by the government, the local community from surrounding villages, that uses the tank for water and fishing purposes, would be asked to prepare a management plan for the area. ‘‘The plan would be expected to form guidelines for optimum use of resources of the wetland by people, keeping in mind the needs of flora and fauna and ground water hydrology,’’ explains Singh.

The proposal was sent after the category of community reserve areas was created in the Wildlife Protection Act by the central government early this year.

Rohit Vyas, an avid bird-watcher and honorary wildlife warden, speaks eloquently about the wetland. ‘‘Perhaps it’s the biggest in the region and deserves to be on the itinerary of all bird-watchers. I have been going there for more than 12 years now.’’

Vyas, who was a part of census exercise with the forest department, says this year too the bird-count was all set to increase. ‘‘I think by January and February it should peak. When water in surrounding bodies starts drying up, the concentration of the birds increases here,’’ he says.

According to Vyas: ‘‘If this happens (conversion into community reserve), it should go a long way in taking care of the visitors during the crucial three-four months of winter.’’

The proposal is also good news for enthusiasts like Manoj Thakker. A wildlife enthusiast, Thakker has been closely following the area for many years with his cameras and expects a treat this year too.