Siranda Lake

The lake serves as a vital stopover for migratory birds, particularly the Demoiselle Crane (Grus virgo), during their spring and autumn migrations between Siberia and the Indian subcontinent. Considered one of the most threatened bird species, the Demoiselle Crane was recorded in significant numbers at Siranda Lake. A population monitoring study conducted between 2020 and 2021 documented 271,701 cranes at Siranda Lake, substantially higher than the 50,442 recorded at Sonmiani, establishing it as the primary congregation site in the Hub and Lasbela coastal regions.^[3] Based on its high conservation value and ecological importance, the study recommended Siranda Lake for designation as a Ramsar Site.^[3]

Extensive archaeological surveys conducted between 2011 and 2013 revealed that the area surrounding Siranda Lake was an important center of prehistoric human activity.^[4] More than 70 shell middens of varying shapes, sizes, and ages were discovered along the lake's perimeter. Composed primarily of fragmented mangrove gastropods, some middens reach up to three meters in thickness, indicating repeated visits or temporary settlements for shellfish gathering, mainly during the Neolithic period.^[5] Radiocarbon dating of 27 middens shows that the area was inhabited between about 7,500 and 4,500 years ago.^[6]