Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister, Pravati Parida said that while Chilika lake holds a special place in the world tourism map, it has become a bird pilgrimage since time immemorial due to its geographical location and favourable environment.
Smt.Parida said while inaugurating the 5th National Chilika Bird Festival at the Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Center here on 6 January.
DCM said after Lake Victoria in South Africa, Chilika is known all over the world as the second largest bird lake in the world.
The natural beauty of Chilika is further enhanced by the millions of birds flying in from different parts of the world, doubling its beauty during winter. Many foreign tourists are also attracted to Chilika to hear their chirping and enjoy the beauty of Chilika.
The chirping of millions of birds of various species can be a source of delight for the tourists visiting Chilika, especially in the winter season. These birds, coming from faraway Siberia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Central and Southeast Asia, Mongolia, America, Ladakh, Tibet and the Caspian Sea, enhance the natural beauty of Chilika.
The mild climate of Chilika, the “Nalavan” in the middle of Chilika, is an excellent shelter to escape from the severe cold. Similarly, Mangalajodi, the bird heaven is symbolic of a unique effort of conservation led by the local community. This festival is organized to take this event to the world and to develop and promote bird pilgrimage tourism destinations like Chilika, Satkoshiya, Bhitarkanika and Hirakud.
All the participants of this festival are brand ambassadors for us. From conservation work like eliminating poaching to publicity campaigns like the 5th National Chilika Bird Festival – we are jointly trying to make Odisha – Chilika, Satkoshiya, Bhitarkanika and Hirakud and other special places like them the most attractive bird centers in the Asia-Pacific region. We have engaged the local boating community in this festival to promote responsible tourism practices and ensure their active participation in conservation efforts.
The representation of bird lovers across the country makes the National Chilika Bird Festival a success. According to the 2024 bird census, about 11.37 lakh birds of 187 bird species visited Chilika.
Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Parida has appealed to as many bird lovers as possible to visit this bird heaven.
Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Labour and Employees State Insurance, joined as the guest of honour and said that Odisha is committed to the conservation of natural heritage and biodiversity.
This 5th National Chilika Bird Festival is an attempt to further enhance the beauty, biodiversity, safety and glorious heritage of community-led conservation of Chilika Lake. Chilika, the largest saltwater lake in Asia, is rich in biodiversity. It was recognized as the first Ramsar site in the country in 1981. Chilika is unique among the wetlands of the world. It is no exaggeration to say that Chilika Lake is the soul of Odisha tourism.
Chilika Lake has a reputation as the largest refuge for migratory birds in the Asian subcontinent. The gathering of more than 1.1 million birds in the winter season makes the environment and atmosphere of this huge lake very attractive.
Mangalajodi and Nalban Island have proven to be unique attractions for bird-loving tourists. Renowned photographers from all over the world take pictures of these rare and very attractive birds and gain fame. The increase in the number of birds visiting Chilika every year is a testament to the success of bird protection and conservation measures, said Minister Shri Sing Khuntia.
ACS Home,Forest, Environment and Climate Change Satyabrata Sahu spoke in the meeting ealboirating state government initiatives on Chilika Lake Conservation.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief of Forest Force Debidutt Biswal opined that Chilika lake is a haven of beauty in Odisha and said that the Bihang Utsav will make its bird tourism more attractive. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Prem Kumar Jha delivered the welcome address.
Earlier, the guests inaugurated the photo, poster and painting exhibition. The poster and photo exhibition by the students of B.K. Art College, Kalinga, Dhauli and Khallikote College amazed the guests.
Principal Conservator of Forests and Director, Nandankanan Manoj V. Nayar proposed the vote of thanks. A documentary film on Chilika was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Parida.
The pocket diary ‘Birds of Chilika Lake’ prepared by the department was launched and the winners of drawing, poster, quiz and general knowledge competitions were awarded. Internationally renowned bird experts Asad Rahmani and Suresh Kumar along with internationally renowned wildlife photographer Dhritimaan Mukherjee were felicitated by the Deputy Chief Minister.
Balwant Singh, Secretary, Tourism Department was present. Many officials of the department, environmentalists, bird lovers and photographers were also present. In the second phase, internationally renowned bird experts Asad Rahmani, Suresh Kumar and wildlife photographer Dhritimaan Mukherjee’s sharing of their life experiences and interactions deeply touched the hearts of everyone present.