Illegal boating activities pose serious threat to Irrawaddy dolphins in Chilika

Chilika Lake, the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia, occupies a special place on the world tourism map. Irrawaddy dolphins are the major attractions of the brackish lake. Thousands of visitors across the globe visit Chilika to watch Irrawaddy dolphins. However, frequent death of the rare aquatic animal in Chilika has become a cause of concern for wildlife experts, environmentalists and enthusiasts.

As per several wildlife experts, the operators of merchandised boats often chase dolphins to provide a clear view to the tourists. As a result, some dolphins sustained injuries by colliding with the boats and fans. Most of them often succumb to the injuries. It is one of the reasons behind the frequent death of the aquatic animal in Chilika. The animals also get trapped in the net of the local fishermen causing their deaths.

“Chilika is the largest brackish lake of Asia. A rare breed of aquatic animals like Irrawaddy dolphins are found in the lake. It has been designated as the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. However, neither the concerned authorities nor the local people are concerned about the safety of the Irrawaddy dolphins making them endangered,” said Pabitra Mohan Das, a local resident.

“Many engine-run boats are entering the area of Irrawaddy dolphins frequently carrying tourists. However, as per the rule, the boats should be at least 200m away from the area. But due to lack of proper implementation, the rule is thrown to the wind. The dolphins often collide with the fans of the boats and get injured. As a result, they succumb to the injuries and the bodies of the animal are found floating on the lake every week,” said Das.

“Thousands of tourists visit Chilika everyday to watch the scenic beauty of the lake and the attractive Irrawaddy dolphins in it. But, the dwindling number of the aquatic animal in the lake is a cause of concern,” said Kelucharan Jena, an educationist.

Though the administration has put up sign boards making the private boat operators alert not to propel boats inside the dolphin, they have scant regard for the rule due to the lack of its strict implementation.

“Unfortunately, the number of dolphins is dwindling in Chilika as the private operators are flouting the rules frequently. The fans of the boats have become a major threat to the rare aquatic animals,” said Akshay Samantasinghara, another educationist.

Several intellectuals in the area have expressed their concern over the development. According to them, if a situation like this persists, dolphins will be extinct in the lake.

However, Balugaon Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Amlan Nayak stated that action is being taken against the private operators who are flouting the rules.

“There has been enforcement on irresponsible tourism. Chilika Development Authority (CDA) and Chilika Forest Division are jointly taking action against the unruly private boat operators,” said Nayak.