The fourth National Chilika Birds Festival was officially opened on Saturday by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. The event was organized by the Chilika Development Authority, the Department of Forestry, and the Department of Tourism. A government statement stated that the event kicked off with an exciting grand launch of a “Photo Exhibition.” According to a government announcement, Patnaik praised the combined efforts of the three ministries during the event’s debut, stating that it “promises to add another feather in Odisha’s hat – a soaring birding hub.”
Patnaik stated about the festival- “a pilgrimage for over a million-winged visitors of varied species, which undertake flights to the mighty but calm Chilika Lake – Asia’s largest brackish water lake.”
State tourism minister Aswini Kumar Patra averred, “While the elusive wildlife deep within our forests evades our sights, Odisha can proudly claim to be a birding hub – thanks to pioneering efforts in wetland and bird conservation and special initiatives like the National Chilika Birds Festival. This year’s census has revealed a total count of 11.37 lakh birds across over 187 species. I wish all the participants, birders, photographers, and delegates to have a great time in Mangalajodi and Nalabana.”
Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) Chairman Dr. Lenin Mohanty mentioned, “Mangalajodi in Chilika is a trailblazing example of community-led conservation, establishing itself as an unmatched birding destination. From initiatives like removing encroachments to recent extensive census activities and promotional campaigns like the National Chilika Bird Festival, our collective goal is positioning Odisha as the most sought-after birding hub in the Asia-Pacific region.”
In his vote of gratitude, Director Nandankanan & Chief Executive Chilika Development Authority Dr. Manoj Nair complemented the shared vision by saying, “It will not be an exaggeration to say that the soul of Odisha Tourism resides in Chilika. Our conservation efforts will continue synergising with our tourism development efforts.”
The festival’s goal of raising awareness and appreciation for the varied bird life around Chilika Lake was greatly advanced by the talks facilitated by renowned photographer Dhritiman Mukherjee, scientist Suresh Kumar from the Wildlife Institute of India, birder and author Panchami Manoo Ukil, and director Nandankanan & Chief Executive Chilika Development Authority Manoj Nair.