Bhubaneswar: A high-level review meeting on the conservation of Chilika Lake’s biodiversity and the development of its surrounding areas was held on Friday under the chairmanship of Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan. The discussion focused on addressing ecological challenges facing the lake, which is recognised globally as Asia’s largest brackish water lake and a Ramsar wetland of international importance.
Chairing the meeting at the conference room of Lok Seva Bhawan, the minister expressed concern over the increasing siltation at Chilika’s mouth. He pointed out that the blockage has disrupted the natural exchange of water between the lake and the sea, resulting in a gradual loss of salinity. This imbalance, he said, is adversely affecting the lake’s rich biodiversity, leading to noticeable changes in fish populations and other aquatic life.
Emphasising the need for immediate corrective measures, Harichandan directed departmental officers, the Chilika Development Authority (CDA) and experts from IIT Chennai to begin restoration work without delay. He stressed the importance of collecting detailed scientific data and preparing a comprehensive Detailed Project Report (DPR) to guide long-term conservation and development efforts. Referring to Chilika as a symbol of Odisha’s pride, the minister said its ecological health must be restored in a sustainable and scientifically sound manner.
The meeting deliberated on a range of issues, including dredging the silted lake mouth, maintaining appropriate salinity levels, removal of accumulated silt to enhance water-holding capacity, protection of biodiversity, development of peripheral areas and safeguarding the livelihoods of communities dependent on Chilika.
Minister Harichandan informed that the outcomes of the meeting and a clear roadmap of proposed actions would soon be placed before the Chief Minister. He also said the Central Government would be apprised of the future action plan to ensure coordination and support at all levels.
The meeting was attended by MP Sambit Patra, Principal Secretary of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma, IIT Chennai Professor Neelanjana Saha, Chief Executive of the Chilika Development Authority Yogajaya Nanda, Chilika DFO Amlan Nayak and other senior officials.
