Fishermen protest proposal of water aerodrome on Chilika Lake

Bhubaneswar: At a time when the Centre and the State are crossing swords over the proposal to set up a water aerodrome on Chilika Lake, environmental activists and fishermen today protested the move and warned of intensifying their agitation against the project.

At a presser, Chilika Matsyajibi Mahasangh (CMM) today said that the new proposal will endanger the livelihood and lives of over 2 lakh people living in more than 150 villages on the shores and islands who directly and indirectly depend on the rich marine resources of the lake.

“The project would risk Tourism potential of the Lake considered to be one of the finest natural sightseeing destinations in eastern India,” said Advisor of CMM Judhistir Mohapatra adding that they had urged the chief minister Naveen Patnaik to immediately intervene in the matter and draw the attention of the Centre towards protecting the biodiversity of Chilika.

Chilika is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian sub-continent and is the first designated Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

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On August 12, the Civil Aviation Ministry approved the proposal to set up a water aerodrome on Chilika Lake.