Bhubaneswar: Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, Chilika Lake, is set for a major ecological and economic revival as the Odisha government rolls out a ₹1,500–2,000 crore Detailed Project Report (DPR) aimed at restoring the lake’s fragile ecosystem while enhancing sustainable livelihoods and tourism.
Officials said the ambitious plan goes beyond cosmetic intervention and focuses on science-driven restoration to address long-standing challenges such as siltation, disrupted water flow, declining depth, and ecological stress, which have threatened biodiversity and the livelihoods of lakhs of fisher families dependent on the lagoon.
The project involves inputs from leading technical and scientific experts, including IIT-level institutions, to restore the lake’s salinity balance, natural tidal exchange, and hydrological depth, crucial for sustaining fish stocks and migratory bird habitats.
Alongside ecological restoration, the DPR places strong emphasis on sustainable eco-tourism development. Proposed interventions include improved navigation channels, modern jetties, safer ferry services, and upgraded visitor infrastructure designed to meet global standards while preserving the lagoon’s ecological sensitivity.
Government officials said the integrated approach aims to secure fishery resources, protect migratory bird populations, boost tourism revenue, and ensure long-term resilience of Chilika against climate and environmental pressures.
If implemented effectively, the initiative is expected to future-proof Chilika Lake for decades, reinforcing its status as one of India’s most significant ecological and economic assets.
-OdishaAge
