Odisha Gets Rs 4.7 Cr Central Aid For Conservation Of Chilika & Anshupa Lakes: Union Minister

Bhubaneswar: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday informed that the Centre has sanctioned Rs 4.7 crore assistance to Odisha in the last two years for the conservation of Chilika lake and Anshupa lake.

The assistance was provided under the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystem (NPCA), he tweeted.

Referring to the conservation of Anshupa, the largest freshwater lake of Odisha, Dharmendra said the lake which was in a dying state, but it regained its natural form after dredging and complete cleaning of the vast deposits of moss during the renovation work that had begun three years ago.

“The pioneering work has not only brought cheers for the people of Odisha and nature lovers, but also provided the impetus for the conservation of the wetlands across the country,” he pointed out.

The minister further said the Centre, taking note that Anshupa has immense tourism potential and the ideal habitat for migratory birds, is committed to ensure the perennial status of this freshwater lake through proper conservation and preservation.