6th National Chilika Bird Festival Inaugurated in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: The 6th National Chilika Bird Festival was inaugurated today at the Conference Hall of Lok Seva Bhawan here, marking another significant step towards promoting eco-tourism and wildlife conservation in Odisha. The festival is being jointly organised by the Department of Tourism and the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who attended the event as the Chief Guest, said the annual arrival of migratory birds along Odisha’s coast reflects the State’s favourable climate and healthy ecosystem. Stressing the importance of protected and reserved forests, she underlined that conservation of natural resources forms the backbone of sustainable and responsible tourism. She also called for close monitoring of the arrival, movement and habitats of migratory birds, alongside strengthened conservation measures to safeguard Chilika’s rich biodiversity.

Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, who graced the occasion as Guest of Honour, reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to environmental conservation. He said Chilika Lake, with its scenic beauty and diverse birdlife, is not only an ecological asset but also a crucial source of livelihood for local communities. The National Chilika Bird Festival, he added, would further enhance the lake’s national and international appeal.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Principal Secretary, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma; Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Tourism Department Balwant Singh; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force Suresh Pant; and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden Prakash Kumar Jha, along with senior officials, bird enthusiasts and subject experts.

Addressing the gathering, Tourism Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh highlighted the key initiatives of the Tourism Department and outlined the vast potential of Chilika Lake as a premier eco-tourism destination. PCCF & HoFF Suresh Pant emphasised Chilika’s vital role in Odisha’s wildlife wealth and its significance in sustaining local livelihoods.

On the occasion, several publications were released, including a pocket guide based on observations of around 150 million birds, a magazine on the life of flamingos, and a booklet on bird conservation in Odisha.

An important highlight of the programme was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the State Wildlife Organization, Bhubaneswar, under the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, and the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM). The MoU aims to support the development, planning and marketing of eco-tourism products across the State.