Bhubaneswar: Integrated management plans for Chilika, Ansupa, Bhitarkanika mangroves, Hirakud Reservoir, Satkosia Gorge, and Tampada wetlands will be prepared by the end of October, the State Wetland Authority decided at its fourth meeting held at Lok Seva Bhawan on Tuesday.
The meeting, chaired by Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia, directed divisional forest officers and field directors to coordinate with government departments and stakeholders while drafting the plans. Singhkhuntia underscored the Authority’s mandate of conserving biodiversity, sustaining livelihoods, and integrating wetlands into developmental and climate-resilient strategies.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Satyabrata Sahu, stressed that wetlands are the lifeline of Odisha’s ecosystems and livelihoods. He highlighted the need for timely utilization of funds, balancing conservation with development, and tapping eco-tourism potential in non-sensitive zones.
The meeting was attended by Tourism Secretary Balwant Singh, PCCF (Wildlife) Prem Kumar Jha, PCCF (Kendupatra) Uma Nanduri, Environment Director and Member Secretary K.S. Pradeep, CEO of the Chilika Development Authority, and senior officials from the Revenue and Disaster Management and Water Resources departments. Several divisional forest officers joined virtually.
