Celebration of World Wetlands Day 2008

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Chilika Development Authority celebrated World Wetlands Day-2008 on 2^nd February 2008 at Rambha in the shore of Chilika Lagoon in association with Naba Jagarana Nari Sanghthan, a local leading NGO, local villagers, fishermen, school students and teachers, local NGOs, elected peoples representatives and Government Officials 

Sri Bhagirathi Behera, the Director, Environment & Special Secretary, Forest & Environment Department, Govt. of Orissa attended the celebration as the Chief Guest. Dr. Sudarsan Panda, Chief Executive, Chilika Development Authority, Sri A. Behera, DFO, Chilika Wildlife Division, Balugaon, Dr. Taej Mundkur, Wildlife Coordinator from FAO, Rome, Dr. Balachandran, Senior Scientist, BNHS, Mumbai and Sri S. Sasaki, Project Coordinator, JICA/CDA Project from Japan were the guests for the occasion.   There was a gathering of more than 5000 people who were associated with the celebration.

  Brief Report

Chilika Development Authority vested powers under

Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

The Government of Orissa vide their Notification no.ENV-II-12/200611555/F&E., dated 20.7.2007 declared the Chief Executive and the Additional Chief Executive, Chilika Development Authority as the Wildlife Wardens under Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 with respect to Chilika lagoon. For this purpose Chilika lagoon will mean the jurisdiction of Chilika Wildlife Division and Puri Wildlife Division. The State Government also declared the above wildlife wardens as authorised officers to file complaint in the courts taking cognizance of offences under the Wild Life (Protection) Act and rules made their under. The State Government also authorised the above Wildlife Wardens to exercise the powers of entry, search, arrest and detention under Section-50 of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 for prevention and detection of offences.

Chilika Development Authority empowered to

deal with polythene menace in Chilika

 The State Government in their Order No.ENV-I-87/07(Pt)10140/F&E. dated 25^th June 2007 authorised the Chief Executive and the Additional Chief Executive of Chilika Development Authority to enforce the ban on polythene bags under 20(twenty) microns thickness in their jurisdiction namely (a) the water spread areas  of Chilika lake, mudflats, marshes, islands and Tidal Zones (b) The sea shore along the sea-ward boundary of Chilika lake (c) Land within 500 metres from the highest waterline of the land-ward boundary of the lake.

They shall take necessary assistance from the concerned District Magistrates and Collectors. They shall make requisition of Executive Magistrates, if required for seizure of carry bags below 20 microns.

RECOVERY OF FINLESS PORPOISE CARCASS FROM PURI COAST

It was reported in some of the newspapers on 6^th March 2007 that one baby Irrawaddy dolphin carcass was recovered by the Wildlife Officials from Baliapanda Beach of Puri Coust on 5^th March 2007. To ascertain the facts of the news item, dolphin researcher from Chilika Development Authority was deputed to examine the carcass and also to interact with the Wildlife Officials of Puri Wildlife Division.

 After detail examination the carcass it was found to be an adult individual of Black Finless porpoise. From analysis of the gut contents, it was ascertained that cause of death was due to intake of polythene materials that blocked from gullet to stomach. Perhaps the animal could not feed and breathe and succumbed to death due to anorexia or fasting. The lesson learnt from this incidence is that disposing of polythene materials in and around aquatic habitat (freshwater, brackish water and marine) is not only polluting the habitats but also very harmful to the aquatic life in general.

 The Black Finless porpoise resembles closely with Irrawaddy dolphins but it does not have a dorsal fin and the average size is about half of adult Irrawaddy dolphin. The colouration of the porpoise is dark grey while the lips and chins are light pink in colour. The average size of adult porpoise is about 1.5m and the average weight is about 30 to 40 Kg. The porpoise feeds on squids, shrimps and small fishes and inhabit inshore coastal water estuaries in India.

 Awareness programme on environmental friendly disposal of polythenes is highly essential in and around aquatic habitats of Orissa and particularly in Chilika lagoon where tourist inflow is high so that such incidence can be prevented in future. Chilika Development Authority likes to address through media to general public to preserve the sanctity of the habitats by adopting proper method for disposal of polythene materials as well as the tetra packs.

     Carcass of Black Finless Porpoise  

(Neophocaena phocaenoides)

          Spade-shaped tooth and light pink colouration 

          at the tip of the mouth

Annual Population Census of

The Chilika lagoon is the natural abode of Irrawaddy dolphins and also the cetacean is the flagship species of Chilika. It is a highly endangered species and the total population in the world is estimated to be less than 1000. In India, the Irrawaddy dolphins are only found in Chilika lagoon and it is the largest lagoon population in the world.

The census of Irrawaddy dolphins in Chilika Lagoon was conducted on 20th February, 2007. The sectors of the lagoon were sub divided into 18 zones. The method of line transect survey was adopted. The census works in each zone was carried out  by a team of 4-5 experienced persons. Each team was equipped with a boat, binoculars, GPS set, thermometer, water sample bottle and data recording sheets etc. In total, 83 persons from different organizations such as Chilika Wildlife Division, Khurda Forest Division, Chief Wildlife Warden Office, Chilika Development Authority, Centre for Environment Education, NGOs, Researchers, Regional Museum of Natural History, OSDMA, Veterinary department officials, Watershed Mission Officials, lectures from different colleges etc. participated in the census operation. The survey was carried out from 6.30 AM to 3PM on 20th February, 2007. 135 Dolphins were sighted in 4 sectors of Chilika Lagoon. There has been a marginal increase in the number of dolphins recorded last year (131 in 2006).  

The sector-wise results of the census -2007 are indicated below.

The marginal increase in the dolphin population has been possible due to close cooperation of the local fishermen community and tourist boat operators. For conservation of dolphins and creating awareness, the CDA has initiated training and sensitization programmes for fishermen and boatmen. The boat operators have been sensitized and advised to attach propeller guards in their boats to prevent injuries to dolphins. In close cooperation with the Wildlife Wing, an enforcement team has been constituted for the protection of the dolphins under Wildlife (Protection)Act 1972.

"Chilika Darpan" Special issue on Birds released  

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INDIRA GANDHI PARYAVARAN PURUSKAR

Chilika Development Authority is conferred with the prestigious Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Award - 2002 for the outstanding contribution by way of successful conservation and restoration of the eco-system of Chilika lagoon. The Selection Committee headed by His Excellency Vice-President of India announced this on 17th July, 2004 at New Delhi.

The Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puruskar is constituted by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India and every year two prizes i.e., one to an individual and one to an institution is given for outstanding contribution in the field of environmental conservation. This award carries a cash prize of Rs. 5.00 lakhs, one Trophy & a Citation. Chilika Development Authority is the first organisation from Orissa to get this prestigious award. Chilika Development Authority also begged the prestigious Ramsar Wetland Conservation Award -2002 for the outstanding contribution in the successful restoration of the Chilika lagoon.