Chilika Development Authority opposes water aerodrome plans

Chilika: Citing irrevocable damages to the ecosystem of Chilika Lake and livelihood of the population dependent on it, the Chilika Development Authority (CDA) today opposed the proposed sea aerodrome project in the lake.

By raising five points in its report, the CDA today apprised the State government about the possible threats of the proposed aerodrome project.

“Operation of the sea plane and water aerodrome is likely to cause irrevocable damage to the ecosystem and livelihood of the population dependent on it. The cost involved from operation of sea plane seems to far outweigh the benefits likely to accrue,” said a report submitted by the CDA to the State government.

The CDA further stated that operation of sea plane at any location of the lake can have serious and far reaching consequences on the lake’s ecosystem and affect livelihood of fishermen dependent on it.

“Indirectly entire population of 151 villages dotted around Chilika in three districts of Khurda, Puri and Ganjam will be affected,” the report added.

The Centre has not yet shared the exact area and location of water aerodrome.

The proposed aerodrome project will also affect the migratory birds and dolphin movement, the CDA highlighted.

“The legal provisions under the Wetland Conservation and Management Rule 2017 applicable to this Ramsar site vide section 4 (2)(i) prohibits conversion for non-wetland uses. Construction of aerodrome is therefore prohibited under the said rules,” the report said.

Chilika is the second largest brackish water lagoon in the world.