- The 4th National Chilika Birds Festival took flight with a grand inauguration by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
- Chief Minister Patnaik, in his inaugural address, hailed Chilika Lake as a “pilgrimage for over a million-winged visitors.”
- Attendees were treated to a visual feast showcasing the rich biodiversity of Chilika Lake through mesmerizing photographs.
- This year’s festival drew 52 birders from across India, underscoring the burgeoning interest in birding and wildlife conservation.
In a vibrant celebration of the avian wonders that grace the skies of Odisha, the 4th National Chilika Birds Festival took flight with a grand inauguration by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on January 27. The three-day extravaganza, organized by the Department of Tourism, Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, and Chilika Development Authority, saw the enthusiastic participation of 52 selected birders from various parts of India.
Chief Minister Patnaik, in his inaugural address, hailed Chilika Lake as a “pilgrimage for over a million-winged visitors,” highlighting its esteemed status as Asia’s largest brackish water lake. He applauded the collaborative efforts of various departments, foreseeing the festival’s role as a significant addition to Odisha’s reputation as a burgeoning birding hub.
The festival commenced with the inauguration of a captivating Photo Exhibition featuring the works of renowned photographers such as Shri Shakti Nanda, Shri Umakanta Biswal, Dhritiman Mukherjee, and others. Attendees were treated to a visual feast showcasing the rich biodiversity of Chilika Lake through mesmerizing photographs.
This year’s festival drew 52 birders from across India, underscoring the burgeoning interest in birding and wildlife conservation. Tourism Minister Shri Aswini Kumar Patra highlighted Odisha’s unique position as a birding hub, citing the latest bird census, which recorded over 11.37 lakh birds across 187 species in the Chilika region.
Additional Chief Secretary Shri Surendra Kumar emphasized the strategic alignment between eco-conservation and tourism, stressing the active involvement of local communities, especially boatmen. Parallel events, including Bird Walks and Lecture Walks at Nandankanan and Ekamra Kanan, were announced.
Dr. Manoj Nair, Director Nandankanan & Chief Executive Chilika Development Authority, reiterated the symbiotic relationship between conservation efforts and tourism development. He emphasized that the soul of Odisha Tourism resides in Chilika, and ongoing efforts will synergize conservation with tourism.
The festival also featured the launch of the State of India’s Birds poster and video, presenting a scientific report assessing India’s birds. Talks by experts such as Dr. Manoj Nair, Dr. Suresh Kumar, Panchami Manoo Ukil, and Dhritiman Mukherjee enriched the festival with insights from scientific research, birding experiences, and visual storytelling. A parallel session on Citizen Science and Bird Conservation provided a platform for delegates passionate about leveraging citizen engagement for avian biodiversity preservation.
(With inputs from agencies)
