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Chilika Lake, Odisha: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Odisha is home to many well-known beauties, and one of them is the largest brackish water lagoon, the Chilika Lake. Chilika is more than just a picturesque; it is a beauty wrapped in nature’s arms, where you may find the rarest species of birds ever seen.

As the seasons change, the lake reveals a new face, and with the new faces come attractions that are adorned by ages all around.

Geographical Spread of Chilika Lake, Odisha

Chilika spreads over three major districts of Odisha - Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam, which cover an area of approximately 1,100 sq. km. The lake has been named one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites, and its features vary from region to region.

The division of the lake can be made into 4 regions: The northern, the southern, the central, and the outer; surrounded by over 160 islands, such as the Nalabanda Bird Sanctuary, the Kalijai Island, and the Honeymoon Island, which are some of the most famous ones in the state.

Economic Importance of Chilika Lake

Over 20,000 fishermen depend on the lagoon to survive. Chilika Lake is a massive power engine that not only drives the economy but is also a major environmental factor.

The richness of the lake is home to many different types of fish and other sea creatures, such as crabs and prawns, which, when imported, enhance the value of foreign goods and services.

During the monsoons, the lake absorbs floodwaters from the Mahanadi River, preventing flooding in the fertile regions. This helps in protecting the agricultural land, hence providing a solid output.

Additionally, it contributes as a major tourist attraction with activities such as the Irrawaddy dolphin-watching hubs at Satapada, and other bird-watching activities in the region. This creates thousands of jobs in the hospitality, boat operations, and tour guide sectors, employing all.

But apart from the money perspective, Chilika serves as a major biodiversity treasure as it maintains the genetic diversity of the East Coast.

Presently, Chilika is home to some of the largest groups of migrating birds, including rare and endangered species, particularly during the winter months. In a recent survey, more than 158 species of birds were spotted at the lagoon.

Government Role in Chilika Conservation

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Chilika was in crisis due to siltation from the river, which formed a blockage at the narrow sea’s mouth and eventually reduced its fertility. Such a crisis led to disturbances in fishing activities, weed growth, and a huge decline in the presence of migrating birds and the dolphin population, to the point where everyone thought it was the end.

The response from the government of Odisha and the central government to bring to life the "dying lake" was swift and remarkable, leading to a globally acknowledged conservation success story.

The Chilika Bachao Andolan was a response from the government of Odisha and the central government to bring to life the "dying lake." Their tactics were so successful that it is now a globally acknowledged conservation success story, and this is how they did it:

1. Establishment of the Chilika Development Authority: In 1992, an authority was established as a primary institution that was given the task to plan and execute the tactics for lake restoration and sustain its management.

2. Hydrological Interventions: The most significant change was made with the opening of a new mouth in the 2000s, to the Bay of Bengal. Such a change helped to immediately restore the tide to flow freely, an improvement in the water quality, an increase in fish, and a significant decrease in prawn populations.

3. Regulation in fishing practices: Several restrictions were put forward for the in-prawn fishing and the promotion of sustainable fishing practices, creating awareness programs and monitoring illegal or out-of-place activities.

4. Community-based conservation: Not only the government, but also the hands of the communities helped the practice to be successful. Public and conservation activists joined hands for the restoration and protection of the lake. This unity in diversity influenced thousands of others to participate in protests, meetings, and many other such events.

5. Political Mobilization: Many political leaders also came forward to help draw attention to the issue at both the state and national levels. Through protests, negotiations, and drives with the government, over time, the Andolan was able to reach a public sphere, and the political backup helped push the legislative changes to protect the lake.

All in all, what we see today as breathtaking beauty is a result of the lake that once stood on the brink of death, which was preserved by the bond between communities. The decisive actions and measures helped it transform from a "dying lake" to what is today known as the "Largest Lagoon in India."