New Delhi – The Government of India has highlighted the ongoing efforts to protect and rejuvenate the Chilika Lake ecosystem in Odisha, with a wide range of initiatives implemented by the Chilika Development Authority (CDA). The details were shared in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha by Kirti Vardhan Singh, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
According to the report provided by Odisha’s Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, the CDA has undertaken targeted conservation activities, including excavation of feeder channels, removal of invasive water hyacinth, and dredging of lead channels to ensure free water flow. Regular bird monitoring and habitat conservation are being carried out at key bird congregation zones like Nalaban and Mangalajodi.
Infrastructure development has also been prioritised to support local fishing communities. This includes building fishing jetties, boat sheltering facilities, community halls, approach roads, lighting, and water supply at ten fish landing centers. Additionally, mangrove plantations have been established near Sipakuda and Gabakunda to enhance the ecological resilience of the lake’s outer channels.
Water quality is assessed monthly at 33 monitoring stations across four sectors of the lake to evaluate its ecological health. The CDA actively maintains dredging operations to preserve the physico-chemical balance of the lagoon, vital for sustaining its rich aquatic biodiversity including fish and shellfish populations.
To address the growing pressures from tourism, especially in dolphin-sensitive areas, a Standard Operating Procedure for dolphin watching has been introduced. Regular patrols are conducted by Chilika Wildlife Division staff to ensure compliance. A high-level committee formed by Puri district authorities is also assessing the carrying capacity of tourist boats in the narrow outer channel, which is home to the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins.
Illegal gherries (enclosures) have posed a serious ecological threat over the years. In response, over 152 square kilometers of such structures have been cleared in joint enforcement operations involving district authorities and CDA, helping restore the vital sea grass ecosystem.
Financial assistance for these conservation initiatives has been provided under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems and the Development of Wildlife Habitats.
The local fishing communities have played a pivotal role in the conservation journey. Their participation was actively sought during the preparation of the Integrated Management Plan for Chilika. They have contributed in areas ranging from dolphin and migratory bird conservation to olive ridley turtle protection during nesting season. Local youth have been employed as watchers for data collection and patrolling, while fishermen have supported efforts in marine animal rescue and sustainable fishing practices.
Continuous engagement through stakeholder meetings and awareness drives has led to a visible increase in bird and dolphin populations and a higher number of olive ridley turtles returning to Chilika’s shores.
