Bhubaneswar: The 5th National Chilika Bird Festival commenced today at the Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Center, with Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida inaugurating the event as the chief guest. The festival celebrates Chilika Lake, a global haven for migratory birds, and aims to promote bird pilgrimage tourism and conservation efforts.
Parida highlighted the unparalleled beauty and ecological significance of Chilika, the second-largest bird lake in the world after Lake Victoria in Africa. She described the lake as a “bird pilgrimage” and emphasized its role in attracting millions of migratory birds from across the globe, including Siberia, Russia, Kazakhstan, and the Caspian Sea.
“Chilika’s natural charm, enhanced by the arrival of millions of migratory birds during winter, makes it a jewel of Odisha tourism,” said Parida.
The festival underscores Odisha’s commitment to conservation, with collaborative efforts from local communities to protect Chilika’s biodiversity. Over 11.37 lakh birds of 187 species visited Chilika in 2024, reflecting the success of conservation initiatives.
Guest of Honour Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, emphasized the importance of sustainable practices in preserving Chilika’s biodiversity. He called Chilika “the soul of Odisha tourism” and applauded its recognition as the country’s first Ramsar site in 1981.
“This festival enhances Chilika’s appeal as Asia’s largest refuge for migratory birds, celebrating community-led conservation and Odisha’s natural heritage,” said Singkhuntia.
Highlights of the Festival
- Exhibitions and Cultural Showcase: Guests inaugurated a photo, poster, and painting exhibition featuring works by students from B.K. Art College, Kalinga, Dhauli, and Khallikote Colleges.
- Launch of Resources: The Deputy Chief Minister unveiled a pocket diary titled Birds of Chilika Lake and inaugurated a documentary film on Chilika.
- Competitions and Awards: Winners of drawing, poster, quiz, and general knowledge competitions were honored.
- Felicitation of Experts: Renowned bird experts Dr. Asad Rahmani and Dr. Suresh Kumar, along with wildlife photographer Dhritimaan Mukherjee, were felicitated for their contributions to bird conservation.
Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrat Sahu emphasized the role of local communities in Chilika’s conservation. He advocated for the use of solar-powered boats and alternative livelihood opportunities for locals to reduce environmental impact.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Debidutt Biswal expressed hope that the festival, known as Bihang Utsav, would boost bird tourism and global awareness of Chilika’s ecological importance.
The festival continued with an interactive session led by internationally acclaimed experts and photographers, whose life experiences deeply resonated with attendees.
The National Chilika Bird Festival is not only a celebration of nature but also a platform for raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity and conservation. With initiatives to eliminate poaching, promote responsible tourism, and conserve migratory bird habitats, Odisha is set to position Chilika and similar sites as premier birding destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.
As Parida concluded, “We invite bird lovers and conservation enthusiasts to experience the unparalleled beauty of Chilika and join us in preserving this natural wonder for generations to come.”
