Context: The Odisha government has proposed to ban movement of mechanised fishing boats in the Mangalajodi area of the Chilika lake to provide migratory birds an undisturbed ecosystem for six months every year.
The Orissa High Court has also directed that the ban be strictly implemented till further orders.
Chilika Lake
Chilika is Asia’s largest and world’s second largest lagoon, located in Odisha.
It is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian sub-continent and is home to a number of threatened species of plants and animals.
Migratory Birds such as northern pintail, gadwall, shovellers, common coot and several others have been found visiting the lake in the past.
In 1981, Chilika Lake was designated the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
Major attraction at Chilika is Irrawaddy dolphins which are often spotted off Satpada Island.
The large Nalabana Island (Forest of Reeds) covering about 16 sq km in the lagoon area was declared a bird sanctuary in 1987.
Kalijai Temple – Located on an island in the Chilika Lake.
Do you know?
Mangalajodi is recognised as globally important for the conservation of birds.
Migratory birds arrive there for roosting and nesting.
However, no statutory rules and regulations are there for protecting the 8.3-sq.km marshland with emergent vegetation.
