New Delhi: Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and a Ramsar site, is thriving due to extensive conservation efforts. This positive update comes from Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh.
The Chilika Development Authority (CDA) has led multi-faceted initiatives. Ecological restoration includes feeder channel excavation, water hyacinth de-weeding, and lead channel dredging. These actions stabilize the lagoon’s physico-chemical balance, crucial for biodiversity.
Biodiversity conservation focuses on key species. Bird monitoring and conservation occur at Nalaban and Mangalajodi. For Irrawaddy Dolphins, an SOP for watching is enforced with regular patrols. A Puri District Authority committee is assessing boat carrying capacity in the outer channel.
Human-induced pollution is controlled through consistent maintenance of dredged channels, ensuring aquatic life safety. A monthly water quality monitoring program operates across 33 stations.
Community engagement is vital. Fishing jetties, boat sheltering yards, and community halls have been built. Local communities were involved in the Integrated Management Plan. They participate in awareness campaigns for dolphins, migratory birds, and Olive Ridley turtles, assisting with marine animal strandings and bycatch release.
Joint enforcement drives have removed over 152 square kilometers of illegal gherries, restoring the crucial sea grass ecosystem.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change provides financial support under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems and Development of Wildlife Habitats.
These comprehensive measures ensure Chilika Lake’s long-term sustainability, ecological integrity, and support for local livelihoods.