Struggle for survival for Chilika lake faces threats

Bhubneshwar: Chilika Lake, the largest brackish water lagoon of Asia and one of the 26 Ramsar sites of India, is facing threat to its existence because of increasing human interferences, including large-scale cutting down of natural forests that guard the lake against high tidal inundation.

Known more for its alluring scenic beauty, the picturesque lake with several islands boasts of a unique biodiversity that supports thousands of fishermen living on its banks.

It is, according to reports, steadily losing its rich repertoire of fishes, crabs and other aquatic resources due to large-scale deforestation that has resulted in six new breaches on the 50-km long natural sand embankment.

Previously, the lake had two natural mouths at Bali-Harichandi and Arakhakuda which allowed limited volume of saline water into the lake, making it a unique and ideal biodiversity. With nearly a dozen of islands and a bird sanctuary called Nalabana located inside it, the lake has always attracted attention of the nature lovers as well as researchers.

In 2001, the natural ecosystem of the lake had completely been disturbed when the two natural mouths got silted due to deforestation.

The Odisha government had to undertake dredging activity and open a new artificial mouth at Sipakuda to maintain the minimum salinity level of the lake.

“We have a dedicated agency called Chilika Development Authority and there are many laws in place to protect this water body. However, nothing happens in the ground and the lake is very likely to lose its identity if it is not protected in effective manner. The natural embankment should be restored, afforestation activity must be taken on war-footing and culprits polluting the water must be taken into task,” said Dillip Subudhi, a researcher.

Recognized as one of the most important wetlands in the world, Chilika is home to a phenomenal variety of birds. It offers visitors a spectacular display of its colorful avian charms in a thousand different hues presented by over 160 species in the peak season between November and February.

The lake and its reed islands teem with nesting birds-white bellied sea eagles, ospreys, golden plovers, sand pipers, flamingos, pelicans, shovellers, gulls, include migratory ones flying great distances from Iran, Central Asia and Siberia.

The large Nalabana Island (Forest of Reeds) covering about 16 sq km in the lagoon area was declared a bird sanctuary in 1987. The core area of about 9 sq km attracts around 400,000 waterfowls of different species. Often underwater, the island gradually emerges with the outset of summer. It is literally a paradise for bird-watchers.

Another major attraction at Chilika is Irrawady dolphins which are often spotted off Satpada Island.