Bhubaneswar: An integrated five-year plan has been prepared for the comprehensive development and ecological restoration of Chilika Lake, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday stressing the need for urgent and sustained measures to protect the globally significant wetland.
Chairing a meeting of the Chilika Development Authority, the Chief Minister described Chilika as a vital repository of biodiversity and 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.
As part of the proposed restoration measures, discussions were held on 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 pointed out that 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.
In addition to conservation, Majhi 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 and Law Minister Prithiviraj 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.
