It has been renamed after the great ornithologist, naturalist Salim Ali and also known as birdman of India.

In Aurangzeb's time, a large marsh or tank extended the whole length of the northern wall, (extending from present-day Salim Ali Lake till Begumpura / Makbara) but the exhalation and dampness proved unhealthy and Aurangzeb ordered the portion immediately in front of his palace (Kila-e-Ark) to be filled in and converted into fields.

The other small tank was the Kanval or Loti talao, (near present-day Aam Khas grounds between Kila-e-Ark and Begumpura) was fed by a spring and was confined in the hollow between the palace of Aurangzeb and the Mecca gate, but the band was purposely destroyed to save the city from being flooded.

Salim Ali lake and its surrounding is rare and rich biodiversity spot within the city that hosts almost 16 tree species, 11 shrub types, 8 climbers, 32 terrestrial herbaceous plants, 10 varieties of algae, 12 of aquatic herbs, 16 aquatic insects, molluscs and crustaceans, nine varieties of fish, 15 species reptiles, seven types of rodents and mammals and 102 types of insects.

Efforts are taken by environment activists and bird lovers in the city to close the historic Salim Ali Lake for public for the time being and declare it as a biodiversity hot spot for conservation.