Santragachhi Jheel is a large lake, located next to the Santragachi railway station.
This lake attracts large number of migratory birds in the winter months, particularly in December and January.
The number has increased in recent years, as migratory birds have started to avoid destinations like the lakes in Alipore Zoo, Kolkata.
Birds like sarus crane from North America and Australia, gadwall, northern shoveller, northern pintail, garganey from north of the Himalayas and many other local migratory birds such as cotton pygmy goose and knob-billed duck are spotted here during this season.
However, the lesser whistling duck is the most dominant species visible here.

The lake area is owned by South Eastern Railway, though the Forest Department of West Bengal also looks after the place.
Every year before the migratory birds are expected to arrive, the Forest department cleans Water hyacinth from the lake, though leaving some portion of it which adds up to an environment suitable for the birds.
Efforts are made by local residents, Forest Department and Railways to improve the environment for the birds.

The Forest Ministry of the State Government of West Bengal intends to convert the lake to a wildlife conservation centre.
Santragachhi Jheel is a large lake, located next to the Santragachi railway station. This lake attracts large number of migratory birds in the winter months, particularly in December and January. The number has increased in recent years, as migratory birds have started to avoid destinations like the lakes in Alipore Zoo, Kolkata. Birds like sarus crane from North America and Australia, gadwall, northern shoveller, northern pintail, garganey from north of the Himalayas and many other local migratory birds such as cotton pygmy goose and knob-billed duck are spotted here during this season. However, the lesser whistling duck is the most dominant species visible here.
The lake area is owned by South Eastern Railway, though the Forest Department of West Bengal also looks after the place. Every year before the migratory birds are expected to arrive, the Forest department cleans Water hyacinth from the lake, though leaving some portion of it which adds up to an environment suitable for the birds. Efforts are made by local residents, Forest Department and Railways to improve the environment for the birds.
The Forest Ministry of the State Government of West Bengal intends to convert the lake to a wildlife conservation centre.
Santragachhi