Bhubaneswar: As part of the annual tradition, the bird census at Chilika Lake will be conducted on January 18, 2025, under the aegis of the Chilika Development Authority. To ensure the success of this initiative, a training camp was held today, inaugurated by Forest, Environment & Climate Change Minister, Sri Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia.
Minister Singkhuntia emphasized Chilika’s unique place on the world tourism map due to its balanced ecosystem and rich biodiversity. He highlighted Chilika Lake’s global fame as the second-largest bird lake in the world, spanning approximately 1165 square kilometers, attracting millions of both native and migratory birds each winter.
This year’s bird census will see the participation of 115 individuals divided into 21 teams covering five ranges—Balugaon, Satapada, Rambha, Chilika, and Tangi. These teams will consist of retired forest officers, employees from the Chilika Development Authority, professors and lecturers from OUAT, WII, BNHS, as well as students from various schools, colleges, and universities, along with volunteer organizations.
Each team, comprising bird experts and guides, will be stationed at 21 temporary bird protection camps spread across the lake, with a total of 48 temporary staff assigned to ensure the safety of exotic bird species. The entire Chilika Lake has been divided into 21 sections for meticulous bird counting.
In addition to the bird census, the Irawadi dolphin counting exercise is scheduled for January 20, with a training program on January 19 at Balugaon and Satapada. Eighteen teams will participate in this exercise to monitor the dolphin population in the lake.
Minister Singkhuntia appealed to local fishermen and boatmen’s associations for their cooperation in both bird and dolphin counting exercises, underscoring the importance of protecting Chilika Lake’s beauty and biodiversity.
Present at the event were Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Prem Sankar Jha, Chief Executive of Chilika Development Authority, Dr. Manoj V. Nair, and DFO, Chilika.
