Water Aerodrome Will Affect Chilika’s Biodiversity: BJD

Bhubaneswar: Two senior BJD leaders have objected to the decision of the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to set up a water aerodrome in Chilika Lake.

“Chilika is known for its unique biodiversity. The lake has 375 species of marine fish, 230 species of birds and other exotic marine species. Besides, it has 175 Irrawaddy dolphins. Setting up of a water aerodrome in the lake will have a serious repercussion on its ecosystem as the vibrations of the seaplane during take-off and landing will disturb the birds and marine species. Apart from this, the livelihood of the local fishermen will be severely affected. Taking all this into consideration, the Centre should reconsider its decision,” senior BJD leader and Brahmagiri MLA Sanjay Dasburma told mediapersons here on Monday.

Stating that being the local representative, he has the responsibility to
safeguard the interest of the people, Dasburma said he had earlier
protested the setting up of a proposed port at Baliharchandi and the Centre
had cancelled the proposal.

“Since the proposal of the Centre to set up the water aerodrome in Chilika
is not a right decision, I shall take up the matter with the Chief Minister
if necessary,” he pointed out.

Commenting on this issue, Tourism and Culture Minister Ashok Panda said
that Chilika is a major tourist destination for its unique biodiversity with exotic marine species and a variety of migratory birds which flock to Asia’s largest brackish water lake every year. Considering all these aspects, the Centre should carefully consider its proposed project.

Revenue Minister Maheswar Mohanty, said the proposed project should not be
given permission if it will have a negative impact on the biodiversity of
Chilika. “We will apprise the Centre of this matter after a meeting with
the chief minister,” he added.

Responding to the reaction of the BJD leaders, Union Minister Dharmendra
Pradhan said the Centre has given in-principal approval to set up water
aerodrome in Chilika which would boost the tourism sector of Odisha.

“I don’t know why the BJD is opposing the proposed project. It is the
responsibility of the state government and the Centre to create employment opportunity for the unemployed youth. The tourism sector of the state would flourish with the development of infrastructure. What I feel that by protesting this project, the BJD is not willing to provide employment opportunity to the youth of the state,” Pradhan pointed out.