Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced plans to establish the state’s first bird museum near Chilika Lake, a renowned biodiversity hotspot and winter haven for migratory birds.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida announced this while inaugurating the 5th National Chilika Bird Festival on Monday.
Chilika, Barkul, and Nalabana have been shortlisted as potential locations for the museum, which aims to celebrate the region’s rich avian diversity.
The Deputy CM, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, stated that the Tourism Department and Chilika Development Authority (CDA) are collaborating on a masterplan for the ambitious project.
Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, spans the districts of Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam. It is globally recognized for hosting lakhs of migratory birds annually. Last year, the lake welcomed over 11.37 lakh birds from 187 species, hailing from regions as far as Siberia, Russia, Mongolia, and Central and Southeast Asia.
The 5th National Chilika Bird Festival, running until January 12, coincides with the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas being held in Bhubaneswar from January 8 to 10.
To showcase Chilika Lake and the Nalabana Bird Sanctuary as prime tourist destinations, the Tourism and Forest departments have organized special visits for the international delegates attending the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
The proposed bird museum is expected to enhance Chilika’s appeal as a tourist and ecological hub while promoting Odisha’s commitment to preserving its unique natural heritage.
