NEWS

The Odisha government has proposed to ban movement of mechanised fishing boats in the Mangalajodi area of the Chilika lake, an important haunt of migratory birds, to provide the winged guests an undisturbed ecosystem for six months every year.

MANGALAJODI

LOCATION – Tangi, Odisha block in Khordha district of Odisha at the northern edge of Chilika Lake.

OTHER DETAILS

• Recognised as globally important for the conservation of birds. Migratory birds arrive there for roosting.
• However, no statutory rules and regulations are there for protecting the 8.3-sq.km marshland with emergent vegetation.
• Many occasions and festivals are celebrated in Mangalajodi. Danda Yatra is one of the oldest ritual occasions celebrated in the month of Chaitra. Paika Akhada is another dance performed by some villagers.

CHILIKA LAKE

LOCATION

• Mouth of Daya River
• Spread over Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts of Odisha state

OTHER DETAILS

• Area – 1,100 km²
• Largest coastal lagoon or brackish water lake in India and Asia
• Second largest lagoon in the world
• It is Largest wintering ground for migratory waterfowl
• One of hotspot of biodiversity in country and some rare, vulnerable and endangered species listed in IUCN Red List of threatened Animals
• Designated as the first “Ramsar Site” of India on account of its rich bio-diversity and ecological significance