Chilika: The Chilika Development Authority (CDA) is all set to conduct Thursday, the second annual monitoring of Chilika, the world’s largest brackish lake. Twenty nine teams will take part in the survey across the length and breadth of the lagoon from 6.00am to 12.00 noon, chief executive Susant Nanda said, Wednesday in a media release.
The annual monitoring aims to find out the number, range and distribution of Irrawaddy dolphins, new areas of bird congregation, sponges that are appearing again after 1985 in parts of Chilika, extent of sea grass development and reconstruction of evicted gharries, if any etc.
The annual bird census conducted in Deceber 2018 was highly encouraging with more than a million sighted for the first time since 2004. The new areas of bird congregation will be mapped out.
All fishing and tourist boats have been requested not to ply from the morning till 12.00 noon so that monitoring can be conducted in a smooth fashion. The chief executive has requested visitors to refrain from going to the lake during the time monitoring will take place as it may hamper the programme.
The 29 teams will comprise of people from CDA, Chilika Wildlife Divison, Office of PCCF (WL), Odisha, different NGOs, Boat Owners’ Association, Wildlife Warden of Khurda and Wildlife lovers.
The results of the monitoring are expected to help CDA and Chilika Wildlife Division in better management of the lake. The findings of the monitoring are likely to be made public by evening of 18th January 2019.
PNN