Puri, Dec 10: The winter migratory season at Chilika Lake has been delayed this year, with significantly fewer birds spotted at key areas such as Nalaban. Traditionally, migratory birds begin arriving from August and stay until March, but locals and environmentalists have noted a decline in numbers this season.
Chilika, Asia’s largest saltwater lake, spans Puri in the east, Khordha in the north, and Ganjam in the south. About 40 kilometers from Puri, Satapada near Brahmagiri offers tourists the unique experience of boating amidst the lake’s scenic islands. The lake is also home to the rare Irrawaddy dolphins, with over 140 spotted here, attracting wildlife enthusiasts from across the country.
Chilika ranks second globally for the number of winter migratory birds, with Nalaban serving as a primary congregation point. Birds arrive from the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, the Aral Sea, Russia, Mongolia, Central and Southeast Asia, as well as Ladakh and the Himalayas. Tourists visiting Puri often make a stop at Satapada to enjoy boat rides, observe dolphins and migratory birds, and picnic amid natural surroundings.
However, this year, environmentalists express concern over the noticeably lower bird presence. Ramashankar, an environmentalist, noted that the usual attractions, including Eurasian Spoonbills and Greater Flamingos, have yet to appear. Encroachment on wetlands—from Sunamukhi to Khetangi—has created 600 ponds but disrupted the birds’ natural habitat, affecting their food sources of fish and frogs in tall grasses. Birds, which typically return to the same locations each year, are reportedly unable to locate their usual spots.
Puri District Forest Officer (DFO) Magar Dhanaj Rao confirmed that bird arrivals in Chilika and surrounding areas, including near Brahmagiri, are significantly lower than last year. The exact reason for the decline remains unclear. The winter bird census is scheduled for the first week of January, which will provide a clearer picture of the situation.
Chilika Lake, with its abundant fish resources, scenic islands, and rare wildlife, remains a major draw for tourists, but environmentalists warn that continued habitat disruption could further affect migratory bird populations in the future.
