Balugaon: Every winter, Chilika receives a large number of migratory birds. The gathering of almost 200 species of birds attracts a large number of tourists. However, illegal gherries (enclosures) in Chilika have posed a serious threat to its biodiversity, a source said Thursday.
According to the source, the birds are now at greater risk due to the fact that the pondweeds and gherries have engulfed acres of land in Chilika.
It can be mentioned here that in January this year, during the bird census in Chilika, an enumerator team in Satapada range found that a number of little cormorants were trapped in the net of a prawn gherry. Similarly, another team rescued a little cormorant while it was stuck in the net of a prawn gherry near Manikpatna.
Chilika is a habitat for more than 50 non-migratory birds. They are, however, often found to be trapped in the gherry nets while searching for food. The Satapada area of Chilika lake is famous for the Irrawaddy dolphins. However, experts say that due to the apathy of Chilika Development Authority (CDA) and the Forest Department, excessive boat movement and gherries, the habitat of the dolphins is particularly affected.
Earlier, the Orissa High Court had ordered the demolition of illegal prawn gherries. The local administrations of three districts such as Khurda, Puri and Ganjam began the process of gherry demolition following the court order. Tangi and Chilika blocks of Khurda district; Krushnaprasad and Brahmagiri of Puri district; and coastal areas of Ganjam districts are being cordoned off. However, hundreds of acres are still illegally engulfed by pondweeds and gherries in Chilika. The use of chemicals in illegal gherries has led to further degradation of the environment, the source added.
The Orissa High Court had directed the state government to conduct a drone survey in order to protect wetlands and prevent encroachments. A two-judge bench of the high court had directed Odisha DGP to remove the illegal gherries. Later, the high court, while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking environmental conservation of Chilika and Bhitarkanika wetlands, had reviewed the demolition of such gherries. During a virtual hearing in this regard, the CDA authorities had assured the court that demolition drives would be continuously monitored by the CDA.
“As per the orders of the High Court, the eviction drive has been carried out in Chilika. Strict actions will be taken against the violators,” Khurda Sub-Collector Dipti Ranjan Sethi said despite contradictory reports from the ground.
“Chilika Tahsildar has also lodged an FIR against some suspects. Patrolling is also being done in Chilika. Efforts are underway to improve Chilika’s environment. People should also extend a helping hand for this cause,” Sethi added.
The source, however, informed that gherries are thriving in Chilika unabated despite such assurance.
PNN