Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has prepared an integrated five-year roadmap for the holistic development and ecological restoration of Chilika Lake, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday underscoring the urgency of sustained and coordinated action to protect the internationally recognised wetland.
Chairing a meeting of the Chilika Development Authority, the Chief Minister described Chilika as a priceless ecological asset and a major reservoir of biodiversity. He directed officials to implement comprehensive measures aimed at restoring the lake’s fragile ecosystem while balancing conservation with livelihoods and tourism development.
During the meeting, an integrated plan focusing on environmental restoration, fisheries rejuvenation, infrastructure strengthening and tourism promotion was presented. Key ecological interventions discussed included reopening the mouth of Chilika to improve tidal water exchange, desilting feeder channels, and dredging accumulated silt from the main water channel and critical stretches such as the Balugaon, Magarmukh and Palur channels. These steps are intended to restore ecological balance, particularly salinity levels essential for sustaining aquatic life and overall biodiversity.
The roadmap also prioritises strengthening fisheries resources through the establishment of new fish landing centres, development of long-term infrastructure and promotion of research-based interventions. Officials noted that these measures would not only help revive fish populations but also enhance the livelihoods of thousands of traditional fishing families dependent on the lagoon.
Highlighting Chilika’s global ecological significance, the Chief Minister noted that the brackish water lagoon is one of India’s most important wintering grounds for migratory birds. Expressing concern over increasing siltation, he pointed out that the mouth of Chilika has not been opened since 2000, contributing to a gradual decline in biodiversity and underscoring the need for immediate restoration efforts.
Alongside conservation, Majhi emphasised the importance of linking ecological revival with sustainable tourism. He directed officials to prepare a special tourism development plan, with proposals including bird, sea-food and boat festivals, as well as the establishment of a lighthouse and an interpretation centre to enhance visitor awareness and experience. The tourism plan will be implemented in a phased manner, aligned with environmental safeguards.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida; Works and Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan; Forest and Environment Minister Ganeshram Singhkhuntia; Chief Secretary Anu Garg; Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Saswat Mishra; Principal Secretary, Forest and Environment Department, Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma; and other senior officials.
