- After a day-long exercise on January 3, 2018, annual bird census at Odisha’s Chilika lake is out.
- According to this census, Bird population at the scenic Chilika Lake – has recorded a little drop from 9.4 lakh birds in last winter to 8.9 lakh this winter.
- As per the bird census 8,93,390 birds of 147 species were found in Chilika. Out of these, 8,67,834 were found to be waterfowl of 95 different species and 25,556 water dependent of 52 species.
- In 2017, the bird population was 9,47,119 of 167 species (9,24,353 waterfowl of 100 species and 22,766 water dependent of 67 species).
- The Nalabana Bird Sanctuary (inside the Chilika) has hosted 3,20,826 birds this winter compared to 3,74,757 last winter.
- Even river lapwing was sighted for the first time in the Chilika .
- Migratory birds fly across continents from the Caspian Sea, the Baikal Lake and remote parts of Russia, Mongolia and Siberia and come to marshy lands of the Nalabana Bird Sanctuary inside the Chilika Lake. These birds find adequate preys in shape of small fishes and insects in the mudflats.
About Chilika Lake
- It is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. Its’s spread ranging from 1165 sq km m the rainy season to 906 sq km in the dry season.
- It extends from Bhusandpur in Puri district in the North to Rambha-Malud in Ganjan district in the South, separated from the Bay of Bengal by a 60 km long narrow strip of marshy islands and sand-flats.
- Nalabana, Kalijal, Somolo, Honeymoon, Break-fast, Birds and Rajahansa islands are popular destinations for daily boat trips.
- Chilika was designated as a Ramsar site in 1981.
- Kalijai Temple is Located on an island in the Chilika Lake.
- The large Nalabana Island (Forest of Reeds) covering about 16 sq km in the lagoon area was declared a bird sanctuary in 1987
- Another major attraction at Chilika is Irrawady dolphins which are often spotted off Satpada Island.
Question: With reference to Chilika lake, consider the following statements:
1. Chilika Lake is a Ramsar wetland site.
2. Chilika is a Unesco World Heritage site.
3. It is the only place in India, where Irrawady dolphins are found.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only 1 and 3
(b) Only 1 and 2
(c) Only 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: a (Exp: Chilika is not a world heritage site.)
