It has a surface area of 1,321 ha (5.10 sq mi) and is located on the edge of a stony desert, about 85 km to the east of Karachi.

Among the fauna, in addition to the fish, waterfowl occur in large numbers, including swans, storks, cranes and feeding flocks of pelicans.

The lake was initially declared a Game Sanctuary under Section 15 of the West Pakistan Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1959 in 1971.

At the time of declaration of the protected area local people were allowed to catch fish from lake, but did not have the right to disturb the birds in winter season.

It was initially protected for shooting purpose in 1971 but keeping in view its potential and the birds varieties here, it ultimately got the status of a wildlife sanctuary.