Table of Contents
AERODROME IN CHILIKA LAKE
• Airports Authority of India has proposed to
set up a water aerodrome in Chilika Lake
for starting amphibious aircraft operations
in Odisha.
• Project will most likely face a green hurdle
due to possible ecological consequences.
• Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon
• water spread ranging from 1165 sq km m the rainy season to 906 sq km in the dry season is nestled in the heart of the coastal Odisha (Orissa).
• It extends from Bhusandpur in Puri district in the North to Rambha. in Ganjam district in the South.
• separated from the Bay of Bengal by a 60 km long narrow strip of marshy islands and sand-flats.
• prominent islands like Nalabana, Kalijal, Somolo, Honeymoon, Break-fast, Birds and Rajahansa inhabited by small subsistence fishermen families, are popular destinations for daily boat
trips.
• Because of its rich bio-diversity and socio-economic importance, Chilika was designated as a Ramsar site in 1981 to afford better protection.
• chilika is recognized as one of the most important wetlands in the world because it is home to a phenomenal variety of birds.
• over 160 species in the peak season between November and February.
• bellied sea eagles, ospreys, golden plovers, sand pipers, flamingos, pelicans, shovellers, gulls, include migratory ones flying great distances from Iran, Central Asia and Siberia.
• Kalijai Temple – Located on an island in the Chilika Lake, Kalijai Temple is one of the famous attractions. The temple worships Goddess Kalijai.
• Makar Sankranti is celebrated with great pomp and cheer at the temple that attracts numerous travellers & devotees.
• The large Nalabana Island (Forest of Reeds) covering about 16sq km in the lagoon area was declared a bird sanctuary in 1987.
• Where: At the mouth of R. Daya—flowing into the Bay of Bengal • Another major attraction at Chilika is Irrawady dolphins
which are often spotted off Satapada Island. (IUCN Status: Endangered)
• slightly reduced number of birds owing to growth in prawn farming as well as silting and reduced salinity has alarmed the conservationists.
• The plying of mechanized boats, the increasing of different fishing nets and gears has threatened the flagship species of the Chilika lagoon, the Irrawady dolphin.
BENEFITS
• Tourism.
• Livelihood
• .State GDP
ECOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES
• For six months between October and March, Chilika turns into a temporary habitat for lakhs of migratory and residential birds. If an aircraft flies at low height, there is every chance of
the birds getting hit. While the bird population will be in danger, safety of passengers of amphibious aircraft will also be jeopardized.
• Noise pollution generated by close to 10,000 boats has already taken a toll on the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins in the lake. The amphibious aircraft operation would add to the woes.
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