Photograph by Jugal Tiwari Chhari-Dhand is a seasonal waterbody in the grasslands of Banni. There are several such wetlands in India and across the border in Pakistan. Dhand in Sndhi Kutchi meaning a saucer shaped natural depression. A shallow waterbody Dhands play very important role in the winters for palaerctic migrants which over-winter in the area. At least 40, 000 Common Cranes over-wintering around the wetland of Chhari-Dhnad, Servo-Dhand, Hodko thath (thath - meaning a smaller than Dhand wetland), Bhagadia thath in the Banni grassland, Kutch, Gujarat, India. This year due to heavy rains the Dhands are full of water and a very good birdlife can be seen. Around Chhari-Dhand some 50, 000 Ducks mostly Common Teals, Shovellors, Pintails, Garganey, Wigeons are seen. Chhari-Dhand is planned to be declared as a Bird Sanctuary. Kutch Forest Department under the leadership of Mr. Meena is working hard to get Chhari-Dhand it's deserved status 'A Bird Sanctuary" Chhari-Dhand was selected as a site for Bird study and banding by BNHS from 1990 to 1995. Chhari-Dhand is a potential candidate for RAMSAR CONVENTION SITE. A total list of over 250 species of birds have been reported from the areas around Chhaari-Dhand. Grey Hypocolius White-naped Tit Houbara or MacQueen's Bustard Dalmatian Pelicans Black-necked Storks Huge concentration of Raptors (mostly Steppe Eagles) Common Cranes are seen in this area. Here is a picture of Chhari-Dhand Jugal Tiwari Centre for Desert and Ocean near Chhari-Dhand in Village Moti-Virani, Kutch, Gujarat, India