Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is all set to implement an integrated five-year plan for the comprehensive development and ecological restoration of Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and a globally recognised Ramsar wetland site.
The comprehensive plan was discussed threadbare at a high-level meeting of the Chilika Development Authority (CDA) chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday. The CM underlined the need for urgent and sustained measures to protect the globally significant wetland.
Describing Chilika as a vital repository of biodiversity, Majhi directed officials to take all necessary steps to safeguard its fragile ecosystem. An integrated roadmap focusing on environmental restoration, fisheries development, infrastructure strengthening, and tourism promotion was presented during the meeting.
The proposed restoration measures include reopening the mouth of Chilika to improve water exchange, desilting multiple feeder channels, and dredging silt from the main water channel as well as the Balugaon, Magarmukh, and Palur channels. These steps aim to restore ecological balance, particularly salinity levels, which are crucial for sustaining aquatic life and biodiversity in the lagoon.
The plan also places emphasis on strengthening fishery resources through the establishment of new fish landing centres, development of long-term infrastructure, and promotion of research activities. Officials noted that these interventions would help revive fish populations while supporting the livelihoods of local fishing communities.
Highlighting the ecological importance of Chilika, the Chief Minister said the brackish water lagoon is a unique natural asset of both Odisha and the country, serving as a major winter habitat for migratory birds. He expressed concern that the mouth of Chilika has not been opened since 2000, leading to progressive siltation and a gradual decline in biodiversity, making restoration efforts imperative.
Apart from conservation, the CM directed officials to prepare a special plan linking ecological restoration with tourism development. Proposals discussed included organizing a bird festival, sea-food festival and boat festival, along with setting up a lighthouse and an interpretation centre to enhance visitor awareness and experience. A dedicated tourism development plan will be drawn up and implemented in a phased manner.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida; Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan; Forest and Environment Minister Ganeshram Singhkhuntia; Chief Secretary Anu Garg; Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Saswat Mishra; Principal Secretary of the Forest and Environment Department Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma; and other senior officials.
