Chilika Lake: A Birding Paradise Shines on the Global Tourism Map

Bhubaneswar – Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest saltwater lagoon, continues to captivate the world with its breathtaking beauty and thriving biodiversity. Inaugurating the 5th National Chilika Bird Festival at the Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Center on Monday, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister for Tourism, Pravati Parida, underscored the lake’s status as a global birding hotspot.

Celebrated as the second-largest bird lake after Lake Victoria in Africa, Chilika attracts millions of migratory birds from Siberia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Central and Southeast Asia, Mongolia, America, Ladakh, Tibet, and the Caspian Sea during winter. These avian visitors transform the lake into a vibrant sanctuary, enchanting birdwatchers and tourists alike.

“Bird Heaven in Winter”
Deputy CM Parida highlighted Chilika’s mild climate and unique geographical features, such as the Nalaban Island, which provide a haven for birds escaping harsh winters. Mangalajodi, famously referred to as a “bird heaven,” stands out as a symbol of successful community-led conservation efforts.

The Deputy Chief Minister reiterated the Odisha government’s commitment to promoting Chilika and other birding sites, including Satkoshiya, Bhitarkanika, and Hirakud, as premier eco-tourism destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.

2024 Bird Census: A Testament to Conservation Success
According to the latest bird census, Chilika hosted approximately 1.137 million birds from 187 species this winter, showcasing the effectiveness of ongoing conservation efforts. Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia lauded the state’s dedication to preserving its natural heritage, adding that Chilika’s status as India’s first Ramsar site since 1981 reinforces its ecological importance.

Community and Conservation at the Heart of Tourism
The festival actively involves the local boating community, promoting sustainable tourism practices and fostering awareness about the importance of biodiversity.

Additional Chief Secretary for Forest, Environment, and Climate Change, Satyabrat Sahu, emphasized that the National Chilika Bird Festival is a platform to celebrate Chilika’s beauty, biodiversity, and conservation success stories while enhancing its global appeal.

As the “soul of Odisha tourism,” Chilika continues to draw international attention, cementing its place as one of the most vibrant refuges for migratory birds in the Asian subcontinent.