Bhubaneswar, Dec 3: The Odisha government is set to prepare a comprehensive Detailed Project Report (DPR) aimed at ensuring the long-term protection and ecological revival of Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia informed the state assembly on Tuesday that the DPR will be developed with technical expertise from IIT Madras.

Responding in writing to a question raised by Jharsuguda MLA Tankadhar Tripathy, the minister highlighted that the primary goal of the project is to effectively address the persistent issue of siltation in the lake. He noted that Chilika’s depth currently ranges from 0.38 meters to 6.20 meters, but continuous silt deposition from rivers, tributaries, and canals has been steadily reducing water depth. Approximately 8 lakh tonnes of silt flow into the lagoon each year, he said, adding that irregular rainfall caused by climate change, along with natural disasters like floods and cyclones, further accelerate the problem.

Singhkhuntia informed the House that in the past five years, 3,26,716 cubic meters of silt have been dredged, and multiple canals linked to the lake have been restored. Meanwhile, data from the Chilika Development Authority indicate that fish, prawn, and crab production in the lake remains stable, with no reported adverse impact on the livelihood of surrounding villages.

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