Chilika water aerodrome proposal: Protests by fishermen continue

Chilika: The agitation launched by the Chilika fishermen united forum in front of the Chilika Development Authority (CDA) office at Satapada entered its third day today.

After taking out a protest rally, the fishermen sat on dharna in front of the CDA office opposing its unilateral actions and the proposed aerodrome project. They threatened that the agitation will continue if their demands are not met.

Apart from eminent personalities of the region, environmentalists have lent their support to the protest launched by fishermen.

The protest has been launched under the aegis of the Chilika Parmaparika Matsyajibi Sangh, Purvanchal Matsyajibi Mahasangh and Harijan Matsyajibi Mahasangh united forum.

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

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