The Site was created following the damming of the Nagi River, which enabled the gradual formation of water bodies with clear water and aquatic vegetation. The catchment area, largely dry deciduous forest, is surrounded by hills. Due to its importance for migratory bird species, the Site was recognized locally as a Bird Sanctuary in 1984, and internationally as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International. Threatened migratory species that winter at the Site include the critically endangered Baer’s pochard (Aythya baeri) and the endangered steppe eagle (Aquila nipalensis). Overall, the wetland and its fringes provide habitat for over 75 bird species, 33 fish, and 12 aquatic plants. Notably, the Site hosts one of the largest congregations of bar-headed goose (Anser indicus) on the Indo-Gangetic plain. Additionally, the wetland provides a reliable source of water for the irrigation of over 9,800 acres of agricultural land, and serves as a location for recreation, tourism, and educational activities.