Prelims Bits » Chilika Lake

Chilika Lake

Why in News?

  • The Odisha government has proposed to ban movement of mechanised fishing boats in the Mangalajodi area of the Chilika lake

About 

  • Chilika is 64 kilometres long in the north-south direction and 13.5 km wide in the east-west direction.

  • The sea connected with the lake near Satapada through a shallow and narrow channel.

  • The connecting channel was obstructed by shoals, sand spits and sandbars, thus restricting the outflow of water and also checking the tidal flow into the lake.

  • Chilika is Asia’s largest and world’s second largest lagoon.

  • It is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian sub-continent and is home to a number of threatened species of plants and animals.

  • In 1981, Chilika Lake was designated the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

  • Major attraction at Chilika is Irrawaddy dolphins which are often spotted off Satapada Island.

  • The large Nalabana Island (Forest of Reeds) covering about 16 sq km in the lagoon area was declared a bird sanctuary in 1987.

  • Kalijai Temple – Located on an island in the Chilika Lake.