Arukha Announces Major Projects for Development of Wetlands in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Odisha government has approved three major projects for the development of wetlands of the state. In a review meeting of the Odisha Wetland Development Authority, Forest and Environment Minister Bikram Arukha said that three important wetlands of the state Chilika Lake, Bhitarakanika and Ansupa Lake will be nurtured. Taking into account the ecological sensitivity of these wetlands along with the other important areas will be protected. Conservation, safety and sustainable management of the wetlands are necessary. So, the government has been taking many steps for their development.

A five year plan for the sustainable development of the Chilika Lake with an outlay of 158 crore rupees has been approved. With this initiative, more than 2 lakh fishermen living in the 151 villages around Chilika Lake will get benefitted though better livelihood options. It will also help conserve the environment of the ecologically sensitive Lake.

The government also approved the five year plan for the development of the Ansupa Lake in Cuttack District. The Government will spend more than 21 crore for the development of the Ansupa Lake. With this, about 250 fishermen of nine villages will benefit. Similarly, development projects will be undertaken in the 410 villages of Bhitarakanika National Park. They will help in the livelihoods development of more than two lakh people living in the 672 square kilometer area.