Dedicated efforts needed to augment bird tourism & protect the beauty of Chilika Lake, biodiversity: Deputy Chief Minister Parida
Bhubaneswar: The 5th National Chilika Bird Festival was inaugurated this morning at the Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Center. Deputy Chief Minister for Women and Child Development, Mission Shakti, and Tourism Pravati Parida attended the event as the chief guest. She said that while Chilika lake holds a special place in the world tourism map, it has become a bird pilgrimage since time immemorial due to its geographical location and favourable environment. “After Lake Victoria in South Africa, Chilika is known all over the world as the second largest bird lake in the world. The natural beauty of Chilika is further enhanced by the millions of birds flying in from different parts of the world, doubling its beauty during winter,” she said.
Many foreign tourists are also attracted to Chilika to hear their chirping and enjoy the beauty of Chilika. The chirping of millions of birds of various species can be a source of delight for the tourists visiting Chilika, especially in the winter season. These birds, coming from faraway Siberia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Central and Southeast Asia, Mongolia, America, Ladakh, Tibet and the Caspian Sea, enhance the natural beauty of Chilika. The mild climate of Chilika, the “Nalavan” in the middle of Chilika, is an excellent shelter to escape from the severe cold.
Similarly, Mangalajodi, the bird heaven is symbolic of a unique effort of conservation led by the local community. This festival is organized to take this event to the world and to develop and promote bird pilgrimage tourism destinations like Chilika, Satkoshiya, Bhitarkanika and Hirakud. “All the participants of this festival are brand ambassadors for us. From conservation work like eliminating poaching to publicity campaigns like the 5th National Chilika Bird Festival – we are jointly trying to make Odisha – Chilika, Satkoshiya, Bhitarkanika and Hirakud and other special places like them the most attractive bird centers in the Asia-Pacific region. We have engaged the local boating community in this festival to promote responsible tourism practices and ensure their active participation in conservation efforts. The representation of bird lovers across the country makes the National Chilika Bird Festival a success,” she said.
According to the 2024 bird census, about 11.37 lakh birds of 187 bird species visited Chilika. Deputy Chief Minister Parida has appealed to as many bird lovers as possible to visit this bird heaven. Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Labour and Employees State Insurance, joined as the guest of honour and said that Odisha is committed to the conservation of natural heritage and biodiversity. This 5th National Chilika Bird Festival is an attempt to further enhance the beauty, biodiversity, safety and glorious heritage of community-led conservation of Chilika Lake. Chilika, the largest saltwater lake in Asia, is rich in biodiversity. It was recognized as the first Ramsar site in the country in 1981.
