1. CHILIKA LAKE andEco-tourism Rashmiranjan MBA (Tourism)
2. CHILIKA LAKE
3. CHILIKA LAKE Asia's largest brackish water lagoon i.e. It is
Asias largest salt-water lagoon and is separated from the Bay of
Bengal by a sandy ridge. Covers an area more than 1100 sq km along
the east coast ofIndia in the state of Odisha. The water spread
area of the Lagoon varies between 1165 to906 sq.km during the
monsoon and summer respectively. A 32 km long, narrow, outer
channel connects the lagoon tothe Bay of Bengal
4. CHILIKA LAKE Chilika lake is a designated Ramsar site in
1981 by TheRamsar Convention on Wetlands. Chilika is one of the
hotspots of biodiversity and shelters anumber of endangered species
listed in the IUCN red list of threatened species. Chilika lake is
an important habitat and breeding ground forboth resident and
migratory and aquatic birds. Migratory birds comes from Caspian
Sea, Lake Baikal, AralSea and Siberia parts of Russia, Kirghiz
steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia and Himalayas. Best
time for tourism activities Nov-March
5. Biodiversity in Chilika Lake Major biodiversities are:
Migratory birds Irawadi Dolphins. Bottolnose Dolphins 726 species
of flowering plants (496 genera and 120 families) 800 species of
fauna. ( including 24 mammalian, 37 reptile species) Nearly 12lakh
migratory birds comes in the peak season. The lagoon hosts over 160
species of migratory birds in thepeak migratory season. 45 percent
of the birds are terrestrial in nature, 32 percent are waterfowl,
and 23 percent are waders. The lagoon is also home to 14 types of
raptors.
6. Eco-tourism in Chilika Scenic natural flora and fauna of the
lake are anattraction for eco-tourism. Provide a degree of
alternative employment to the localcommunity Generateenvironmental
awareness, among local residents as well as visitors. Different
conservation activities are taken by local Govt.as well as other
bodies with wise use of the lakes natural resources.
8. Eco-tourism points at Chilika Nalbana Bird Sanctuary and
Island Satpada wetland and Dolphin view point. Mangalajodi
conservation center Parikuda Island. Kalijai Island. Chilika
Ecopark.
9. Threats to Chilika lake Siltation due to littoral drift and
sediments from theinland river systems Shrinkage of water surface
area Choking of the inlet channel as well as shifting of the mouth
connecting to the sea Decrease in salinity and fishery resources
Proliferation of fresh water invasive species and Migratory bird
poaching. Excess commercialization and motor boat. Fights between
fishermen and non-fishermen communities about fishing rights in the
lake and consequent court cases
10. Conservation Activities In 1992, the Government of Odisha,
set up theChilika Development Authority (CDA). The CDA was set up
for restoration and overall development of the lake under the
administrative jurisdiction of the Forest and Environment
Department. To protect the Lake ecosystem with all its genetic
diversity. To formulate the management plan for Integrated
ResourceManagement and wise use of the lake's resources by the
community depending on it. To execute multidimensional and
multidisciplinary developmental activities either itself or through
other agencies To collaborate with various national and
international
11. Conservation Activities Local people are appointed as guard
during the migratory season of birds. Plastics and other non
degradable items are banned at the Islands. Provision of solar
streetlight systems to island villages. Development of a ferry
service for isolated villages Construction of landing facilities
for fisher folk, as well as education and environmental awareness
activities.