Odisha’s First Chilika National Bird Festival From Jan 27

Bhubaneswar: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Odisha’s forest and
environment department, Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC)
and Chilika Development Authority is all set to organise the National
Chilika Bird Festival at Mangalajodi in Khurda district on January 27 and 28.

Addressing a press conference regarding the two-day festival on Friday,
secretary, forest and environment, Suresh Chandra Mohapatra
said, “On the first day of the festival, there will be a workshop to
disseminate to the public at large, the diversity of Chilika birds
along with film shows. Besides, photography and painting competitions
will also be organised before the festival. The winning entries will
be displayed at the site. One group/individual will be rewarded for
its contribution towards conservation of avifauna in and around Chilika.
Stalls of Bombay National History Society (BNHS) and allied organisations
will showcase the method of ringing of birds at the venue.”

The festival will conclude with delegates being taken
around in five different routes to explore the rich biodiversity of
Chilika, birds in particular, Mohapatra added.

According to director, tourism, Nitin Jawale, who was also present at
the meeting, it has been decided to make the festival a permanent
event in future.

Chief executive, Chilika Development Authority, Sushant Nanda was also
present at the press conference.