Water Aerodrome In Chilika Not Viable: Bijay Mohapatra

Bhubaneswar: Senior BJP leader Bijay Mohapatra has strongly opposed the decision of the Centre to set up a water aerodrome in Chilika lake.

Talking to mediapersons here on Wednesday, he said the number of migratory birds flocking to Chilika every year will drastically fall if the project comes up. The livelihood of the local fishermen, who entirely depend on the lake, will be severely affected. The landscape and the ecosystem of the lake will also be adversely hit.

On the announcement of the proposed project by the Centre and the statements of the state party leaders, Mohapatra said “Has the Civil Aviation ministry prepared the detailed project report (DPR) for setting up the water aerodrome taking all these factors into consideration? Those trying to take the credit for this proposed project should refrain from such cheap publicity and think about the measures to protect and safeguard the environment of Chilika.”

He further said there is no need for a water aerodrome in Chilika since it is not too far away from the Odisha capital. “Tourists from Bhubaneswar can reach the lake in less than two hours,” he pointed out.

Senior BJP leader Biswabhusan Harichandan said the proposed aerodrome is most likely to affect the influx of tourists and visitors to the lake as this will the disturb its flora and fauna.

The number of marine fish and other species, which are already on the decline, will further come down. The aerodrome will also be a threat to the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. Hence, a detailed study of these aspects has to be made before taking a final decision, he added.

It may be mentioned that BJD leaders Pradip Maharathy and Maheswar Mohanty had also objected to the proposed project.