Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Saturday announced a new plan for proper conservation of Chilika Lake’s biodiversity and development of its surrounding areas.
A high-level meeting was held in Bhubaneswar on the issue and the discussion focused on addressing ecological challenges facing the lake, recognised globally as Asia’s largest brackish water lake and a Ramsar wetland of international importance.
Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, who chaired the meeting, told reporters that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) involving a Rs 1,500-2,000 plan is being prepared to give the lake a “new look,” while parallel efforts with Indian Institute of technology (IIT Madras) aim to tackle siltation and safeguard its ecosystem.
“This plan combines sophisticated infrastructure development with scientific ecosystem protection due to collaboration with IIT Madras, making it one of the most ambitious conservation and tourism projects in the state’s history,” he said.
The Minister, who represents Chilika constituency in the state Assembly, provided key highlights of the new proposal which includes a massive investment with a DPR stipulated at Rs 1,500 to 2,000 crore to revamp Chilika Lake’s infrastructure and surroundings.
The plan for periphery development includes developing the lake’s surroundings and making the entire area free from obstruction for smoother navigation and tourism. With support from IIT Madras, the government is preparing a scientific DPR to address siltation necessary for ecosystem protection. Chilika’s depth currently ranges from 0.38 m to 6.20 m, but silt carried by rivers and canals adds nearly 8 lakh tonnes of silt annually to the lagoon gradually filling the lake. As a Ramsar site, Chilika also receives funds under the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems for habitat management which should be utilised properly.
The main objectives of the plan are providing a boost to tourism by enhancing ferry services, infrastructure, and visitor facilities to attract more tourists, promoting ecological balance by preventing further siltation and restore the lagoon’s depth to maintain biodiversity, among others. By supporting local communities dependent on fishing by ensuring healthier aquatic ecosystems, the scheme will boost fisheries production and increase livelihoods. It will bring global recognition by strengthening Chilika’s status as Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and a UNESCO-recognised biodiversity hotspot.
Among the foremost challenges at Chilika Lake is siltation threat caused by continuous inflow of silt from rivers which could choke the lagoon if not addressed. Infrastructure expansion must avoid harming migratory bird habitats and aquatic life. Rising sea levels and erratic monsoons may complicate restoration efforts.
Chilika Lake is not just a tourist attraction – it is a lifeline for over 200,000 fishermen, a habitat for Irrawaddy dolphins and a winter home for migratory birds from across Asia and Europe. The new plan aims to strike a balance between economic growth through tourism and long-term ecological sustainability.
The meeting was attended by Puri MP Sambit Patra, Principal Secretary of Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma, IIT Chennai Professor Neelanjana Saha, Chief Executive of Chilika Development Authority (CDA) Yogajaya Nanda, and Chilika DFO Amlan Nayak.
