Bhubaneswar: The state government has allocated Rs 6155.09 crore for various projects aimed at conserving Chilika Lake, the country’s largest brackish water lagoon, from 2019-20 to 2025-26. This was revealed by Forest, Environment & Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia.
The Minister’s reply came in response to a query raised by MLA Ganeswar Behera. In 2019-20, ₹998 crore was allocated. The funding increased to ₹1313.50 crore in 2020-21. In 2021-22, ₹400 crore was allocated.
The Chilika Development Authority has undertaken several projects from 2019-20 to 2025-26, including desiltation to maintain water quality and quantity, conservation of aquatic biodiversity, demarcation and awareness of wetland areas, and scientific monitoring. Additionally, the authorities are also conserving migratory bird habitats and procuring Backhoe loaders and Ferry Crafts to support conservation efforts.
