Odisha Govt To Set Up Bird Museum Near Chilika Lake

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is planning to set up a bird museum, one of its kind in the state.

The proposed museum is likely to be set up near Chilika Lake, known for its rich biodiversity and avian congregation. The lake hosts lakhs of migratory birds from far off places during the winter season.

This was announced by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida while inaugurating the 5th National Chilika Bird Festival on Monday. The state government is considering Chilika, Barkul and Nalabana as the possible location of the proposed bird museum, she said.

The Tourism Department, in association with the Chilika Development Authority (CDA), is preparing a masterplan for the project, said the Deputy CM, who holds the Tourism portfolio.

The 5th National Chilika Bird Festival, which will continue till January 12, coincides with the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas being held in Bhubaneswar from January 8 to 10.

The state government has planned to showcase Chilika lake and the Nalabana bird sanctuary inside it as a major tourist destination before the guests.

The Tourism and the Forest departments have jointly made all arrangements for the visit of the attendees of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to Chilika.

Last year, over 11.37 lakh migratory birds of 187 species from far-flung places like Siberia, Russia, Mongolia and Central as well as Southeast Asia had thronged Chilika.

Chilika is known as the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia. It spread over three districts of Puri, Khurda and Ganjam.