Three-day dolphin census to begin in Chilika from tomorrow

In a significant development, the dolphin census in Chilika Lake will begin on Tuesday and will continue for three days. 

As per reports, the counting exercise will be conducted along 18 routes across Chilika, covering the Balugaon and Satapada sectors.

A total of 18 teams have been formed for the census. Each team will include one expert along with three to five enumerators. The counting will be carried out daily from 6 am to 12 am.

To ensure that the census is conducted smoothly without any disturbance, the wildlife authorities have informed all the motor boat associations to suspend boat operations in Chilika between 6 am and 12 am during the counting period.

Several institutions and organisations will participate in the census, including OUAT, the Geological Survey of India, fishermen associations, Grow With Nature, and other organisations.

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Last year, a total of 159 Irrawaddy dolphins and 15 humpback dolphins were recorded in Chilika Lake.

"Dolphin census will continue from Jan 20-22. Problems often occur during dolphin census due to foggy conditions. Hence, the census will be conducted for three days. After the completion of the census, we will send the report to PCCF Wildlife. Following the compilation, the final report will be announced. As many as 18 teams have been formed for the counting exercise, and their movements will start in Balugaon and Satapada," said Chilika Wildlife Forest Division DFO Amlan Nayak.