Chilika hosts 7.62L birds

BERHAMPUR: More winged guests visited Chilika Lake this winter compared to 2014, the annual census on Friday revealed.

The headcount conducted in and around the lake, found 7.62 lakh birds of 172 species.

Last winter, 7.19 lakh (158 species) birds flocked to the lagoon. No new species was sighted during the five-hour census.

Around 80 enumerators, including experts from Bombay Natural History Society, representatives of wildlife organizations, ornithologists and campaigners took part in the bird count. Of 7,61,940 birds, 3,90,697 were sighted at Nalabana Bird Sanctuary.

More Birds Visit Chilika Lake

BERHAMPUR (Odisha): The number of feathered guests to the famous ChilikaLake in Odisha, the biggest waterfowl habitat in the country, increased this winter.

Around 7.62 lakh birds of 172 species visited the blue lagoon this year. It was found during the annual bird count, conducted at 1,100 sq km vast lake yesterday. Last winter around 7.19 lakh birds of 158 species had visited the lake.

Similarly, in 2013 and 2012, around 8.77 lakh of 180 species and 8.83 lakh birds of 167 species respectively had visited the lake.

Around 80 persons, including the ornithologists from BNHS, Mumbai, officials of wildlife organisations, several ornithologists and wildlife activists took part in the bird count in the lake held from 6 AM to 11 AM.

While 7,61,940 winged guests of 172 different species were counted in the entire lake, highest number of 3,90,697 were sighted in Nalabana bird sanctuary area. Last winter, Nalabana Island had hosted around 4.15 lakh birds.

Increase in number of migratory birds in the lake is attributed to the safety measures taken by wildlife authorities and improvement of the habitat in the lake, said an ornithologist.

The 15.59-sq km area Nalabana Island was declared a as bird sanctuary as more number of birds congregated in the area.

Winged guests from far off places including Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, remote parts of Russia, central and South East Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas were descended in the lake in every winter for feeding and roosting. They start their homeward journey with the onset of summer.

Mangroves Planted along Chilika lagoon

BHUBANESWAR: Mangrove cultivation is back in the outer channel of the Chilika lagoon. The initiative is community-driven and expected to help conserve the bio-diversity, improve the coastal eco-system and generate sustainable livelihood for local communities.

Official sources said in the past decade and a half, mangrove cultivation had failed despite the combined efforts of experts, Chilika authorities and communities. Authorities attributed the failure to successive cyclone and floods that have taken place along the 1100 sq km vast lake.

Officials said villagers explored suitable sites for mangrove cultivation with assistance from experts. The mangrove cultivation is being done under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP). Awareness about mangrove cultivation was first spread in hundred eco-club schools on the periphery of the lagoon through street plays, posters and competitions.

According to officials, mangroves, with its host of eco-friendly components will help protect the community and generate livelihood for coastal communities. Mangroves will act as a bio-shield against the impact of cyclonic storms. It will also contribute towards mitigating climate change. Mangrove forests, grown along shorelines and up to few meters inland, will also act as a nursery for fish, shrimp and a host of other organisms.

The authorities have also organized a series of capacity building meetings for raising a nursery, preparing plantation sites, planting and post-planting maintenance. Three varieties of mangrove species — bani, rai, sinduka and garani.

Growth of mangrove plants is now visible at the swanky patch near the Chilika shorelines. ICZMP-sponsored mangrove plantation may be extended to other areas on the lagoon periphery in future based on the success of the present initiative.

Winged Guest in Balasore

A Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa Tridactyla) gull has been recently spotted for the first time in the state.

The Bombay Natural History Society and the Indian Bird Conservation Network has confirmed the identity of the bird, making it the sixth recorded spotting of the species in India.

A bird survey team of the Wild Odisha, an organisation engaged in monitoring the presence of various bird species in the state, in collaboration with the Indian Bird Conservation Network (IBCN), had spotted the Kittiwake on January 21 at a water tank on Balasore coast.

It is a small, graceful, cliff-nesting gull, which is named for its loud, nasal "kitti-wake" call. According to experts, it nests on coastlines and islands across the North Pacific and North Atlantic oceans, as well as on islands off the north coasts of Russia, Norway, north Canada, north United States, Greenland and west and north Europe.

Earlier, it was sighted at Morjim (Goa) on January 16, 2005, Kadalundi (Kerala) on February 8, 2008, Alibaug (Maharastra) on November 25, 2012, Majuli Island (Assam) on November 30, 2012, and Chvakkad (Kerala) on January 24, 2013," said Monalisa Bhujabal, secretary of the Wild Odisha.

With a white head and body, grey back, grey wings tipped solid black,the Kittiwake had little grey marks around the crown and behind the eyes. Its distinct black legs and a dull greenish yellow bill makes it different from other gull species found in Odisha.

"The spotting of black-legged Kittiwake assumes much significance in study on bird migration and ecology as this species that inhabits in the northern regions of the earth had chosen to come down to coastal regions of the state, separated by several thousands of kilometres. Its presence here could assume significant importance in light of changes in climatic patterns being observed," said Nanda Kishore Bhujabal, another bird expert and member of the survey team.

Maiden Dolphin Census in State’s Multiple Places on Cards

BHUBANESWAR: For the first time, the Wildlife Wing of the State Government is planning to carry out a dolphin census in the coastal eco-systems and shorelines of Odisha apart from Chilika lagoon.

With strong evidence that there are many sustainable dolphin habitats in at least five pockets in the State and off the coast, the Wildlife Wing has been encouraged to take up the enumeration at multiple sites.

Though detailed research work on the dolphin pockets is very few, at least 12 species of dolphins have been sighted and recorded in Odisha. The Wildlife Wing is keen on making a start with the census this year around the time the annual enumeration of Irrawaddy dolphin takes place next month. Sources said the matter would be formalised at a meeting scheduled to be held later this week.

We are looking at Bhitarkanika, Balasore, Puri and Rushikulya apart from Chilika. A modality will be worked out and DFOs would be entrusted.Besides Chilika, hitherto the only surveyed habitat of Irrawaddy dolphins in the State, the census would focus on Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary which also has a good habitat for this smaller species of cetaceans.

Experts say that at least five species - Irrawaddy, Finless Porpoise, Bottlenose, Humpback and Spinner - have been recorded in Bhitarkanika alone. Towards the north of Kalibhanjadiha creek, there is a confluence point of Brahmani and Baitarani rivers and Materi nullah, known as Nalitapatia, which holds a sizeable population of Irrawaddy dolphins. Its enumeration and documentation would go a long way in preparing a conservation plan for this endangered species.

This apart, Bottlenose and Humpback species have been frequently sighted along the coastal stretches - Digha-Balasore, Astarang-Konark-Puri, Puri-Chilika and Chilika-Rushikulya-Gopalpur.

According to dolphin researcher Dr Muntaz Khan, currently a Zoology lecturer with Vikram Dev Autonomous College in Jeypore, there are a number of fishing hotspots and confluence points known to be rich nutrient zones where the dolphin pockets are distributed.

The Chief Wildlife Warden said the census would also help provide basic information about migrating behaviour of Irrawaddy dolphins as well as other species.

Since the Irrawaddy dolphins are mostly distributed along the coasts of Bay of Bengal and rivers of southeast Asian countries like Myanmar, the migration habits from Chilika could be of interest to conservationists. The 2014 census in Chilika had put their population at 158.

Curtains Come Down on Ghumura Utsav-2015

BHAWANIPATNA: The Kalahandi Utsav Ghumura-2015, a platform to showcase cultural and developmental activities of the district, concluded at Lal bahdur Sastri Stadium here on Saturday. This year, the four-day festival received around one lakh footfall each day. Pallishree Mela and KBK Craft Mela made a daily business of `one crore.

Addressing the valedictory function at Rindo Majhi Manch, Minister for Panchayati Raj and Law Arun Kumar Sahu hailed the rich cultural heritage of Kalahandi and its contribution to enrich folk culture of Odisha.

Mahari dance troupe from Puri and Prince dance group from Kalahandi performed on the valedictory night. Several prominent persons of Kalahandi were felicitated for their contribution in the fields of literature, agriculture and social work. Last Maharaja of Kalahandi was awarded Kalahandi Ratna posthumously. A souvenir Kalajharan was also released on the occasion.

Kalahandi Utsav was also simultaneously organised at Lalbahadur stadium of Bhawanipatna and in the Panchayat field of Dharmagarh. Competitions in archery, boating, mini marathon, volleyball, badminton, kabaddi, kho kho and tennis were organised. An exhibition of folk art was main attraction of the Utsav.

Around 180 poets recited poems in the Kabi Sammilani organised on the occasion. A photo feature exhibition ‘Namaste Kalahandi’ was another attraction of the Utsav at Dharamgarh.

Birds flock to Bhitarkanika

The migratory birds of central Asia have begun arriving at the wetland spots of the national park, much to the delight of bird lovers.

The wetland spots in Bhitarkanika have again emerged as a congenial and human interference-free winter habitat for the feathered guests.

"The arrival of the migratory birds has begun since past one week. Around 20,000 birds have been sighted so far. Their number will rise steadily in the coming days.

Flocks of these winter guests are crowding the Raipatia and Satabhaya water bodies and creeks.

The habitat of these birds extends around a stretch of 1km. They fly their way in and around the water bodies adding to the scenic beauty of the place.

There is ample food security for the birds as the place that is criss-crossed by innumerable water inlets is free of human interference.

Prominent among the winged visitors to Bhitarkanika is Indian skimmers, grey pelicans and white-backed vultures, lesser adjutant storks, greater spotted eagles.

Some of these species are said to be endangered under the International Union for Conservation for Nature's Red Book Data containing the list of highly threatened animals worldwide.

Besides, other prominent birds sighted this year are black-tailed godwit, northern pintail, lesser whistling duck, grey plover, spotted billed egret, oriental darter, white bellied seagull, and black-necked stork.

Moreover, the white-backed vultures are also among the winter migrants, who come from the northern hemisphere. They prefer the Bhitarkanika wetlands for its unique eco-system and serene environment that is necessary for their habitation.

Uninhabitable cold atmospheric condition during winter months, forces the birds to leave their original habitat. The Chilika lake and the Bhitarkanika wetlands are one the most favoured destinations of the migratory birds.

Tourist Back In Scenic Less Polluted Keonjhar

KEONJHAR: When winter sets in, the vast hinterland of Keonjhar turns yellow. The tribals cultivate mustard and sesame, whose flowers are yellow, in large tracts, overlooking hills and forests.

The crops are a tourist's delight. No vehicle passes through Kanjipani Ghat on NH-49 or through the roads of Telkoi, Bansapal and Harichandanpur without a halt to enjoy the breathtaking beauty. It seems the vast neighbourhood dons a yellow jacket.

For the tribals, majority of whom live below poverty line, mustard and sesame crops fetch a handsome income. "The pleasant fragrance of the mustard and sesame flowers draws bees from the forest and honey collection picks up. Honey prepared from extract of mustard and sesame flower is very tasty," said ayurvedic practitioner Harekrushna Mohanta. People cultivate the crops through a traditional method called podu (shifting) cultivation. They set fire to bushes and small plants on hilly slopes and leave the place for some months for the burnt leaves to decompose before sowing seeds post-ploughing.

Bhitarkanika Park Opens to Tourists

KENDRAPARA: The Forest Department re-opened the Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara district on Monday for tourists after a 12-day ban from January 1.

DFO of the park, Kedar Kumar Swain informed that restrictions were imposed on the visitors to prevent noise pollution during counting of the reptiles and avian species in the national park. The peak winter exposes more than 50 per cent of mud bank and lunar cycle is suitable period for counting of the reptiles.

The head count drive of the endangered estuarine crocodiles was conducted under the supervision of wildlife personnel.

The enumerators assisted by trained local forest staff and some herpetologists including noted crocodile researcher Dr Sudhakar Kar of State Wildlife Department covered Bhitarkanika river system besides innumerable creeks, water inlets and nullahs, said the forest officer. The teams are compiling the census report and it will be released on Thursday.

While the number of estuarine crocodiles in 2012-13 was 1649, it has come down to 1644 in 2013-14. Besides, the number of migratory birds which was 81,401 in 2012-13, has drastically come down to 68,514 in 2013-14. In 1974, the Ministry of Forest and Environment in a collaboration with UNDP had started a crocodile breeding and rearing project in Dangamal within the Bhitarkanika park.

 The crocodile population started increasing in the creeks, river and other water bodies within the park and in areas nearby due to success of the project.

Boat Race Sets Mood For Chilika Utsav

Bhubaneswar: Waves of enthusiasm marked a boat race from kalijai to satapada during the inauguration of the three day chilika Utsav on Sunday. It was followed by a series of cultural events.

Over 50 decorated boats with banners carrying messages on the need and ways to conserve chilika dotted the lagoon.

Chilika is a storehouse of nature’s bounty. A lot more can be done to promote it as world tourism spot. Bus communication under JNNURM can be extended to satapada to boost tourism spot.

Satapada Set for Tourism Boost

PURI: Satapada jetty in the district would be developed to accommodate 200 boats for joy ride and four air-conditioned Red Line buses of Dream Team Sahara would ply between Bhubaneswar and Satapada soon. This was informed by Puri MP Pinaki Mishra and Brahmagiri MLA Sanjay Dasburma at the inaugural function of the third edition of Chilika Mahotsav on Sunday evening. Mishra said efforts are being made to make road communication along the Bhubaneswar-Satapada route hassle-free.

Dasburma, who is also founder president of the Chilika Mahotsav organising committee, said `15 crore will be spent to develop Satapada jetty in 18 months.

On the occasion, Puri Collector Arvind Agarwal suggested that a company should be floated in Satapada that would have owners and operators of all the boats as its members.

The company would be helpful in mitigating problems of tourists who are often exploited by boat operators. The operators charge exorbitant fare for boat rides in Chilika, the largest brackish water lagoon in the country.

“The company would look into sale of tickets and booking of rides in Chilika. At the end of the day, the earnings per boat would go to every member of the company,” he said.

Around 1,000 boats ply on Chilika lake from Satapada, Gangadharpur, Sipakuda and Gabakunda jetties. Boat associations charge exorbitant rates from visitors and give commissions to some taxi drivers to bring as many tourists as possible to their respective jetties.

There have been complaints from tourists and hoteliers about the nexus between taxi drivers and boat owners in the past.

“If a company is set up, it would also end the unhealthy competition among the boat owners,” the Collector said, adding that the boat owners need to be registered with the Transport Department and equip the boats with life-saving equipment.

Show of Traditional Art Forms

The second day of the annual Chilika Mahotsav was a melange of traditional art forms of the country, Odisha in particular. The festival saw performances like Gotipua, Jodi Sankha, Ghumura, Mahari, Sambalpuri, Bhangra and Bihu dances.

A boat rally from Kalijai to Satapada, which witnessed the participation of 25 boats, was kicked off on Sunday. Besides, a Pallishree Mela and photo exhibition based on the history of Chilika is being organised.

This time, the Mahotsav is being held for three days instead of two as was organised in 2014 and 2013. The festival is jointly organised by the Chilika Development Authority and the Department of Tourism.

Chilika hosts 7.62L birds

BERHAMPUR: More winged guests visited Chilika Lake this winter compared to 2014, the annual census on Friday revealed.

The headcount, conducted in and around the lake, found 7.62 lakh birds of 172 species, said DFO, Chilika wildlife division.

Last winter, 7.19 lakh (158 species) birds flocked to the lagoon. No new species was sighted during the five-hour census.
Around 80 enumerators, including experts from Bombay Natural History Society, representatives of wildlife organizations, ornithologists and campaigners took part in the bird count. Of 7,61,940 birds, 3,90,697 were sighted at Nalabana Bird Sanctuary.

Number of Migratory Birds Soars in Chilika Lagoon

BHUBANESWAR: More migratory birds have thronged Chilika lagoon this year compared to last winter. Over 7.61 lakh winged visitors were enumerated during the annual water bird survey which was carried out by the Chilika Wildlife Division on Friday.

The number is higher than last year when 7.19 lakh birds - migratory and resident migratory - had arrived at the 1,100 sq km brackish water lagoon. Super cyclone Phailin was the reason the number of birds had dropped during 2013-14 winter.

The results revealed that at least 172 species were sighted during the enumeration. Last year, at least 158 species were recorded.

Eurasian Wigeon and Northern Pintail were among the major species to have been recorded during the survey in which 77 enumerators in 20 groups took part. While the population of Eurasian Wigeons was over 1.78 lakh, Pintails were 1.28 lakh in number.

In Nalabana Bird Sanctuary, a protected area, over 3.90 lakh birds were enumerated during the survey. The number has seen a marginal drop compared to last winter during which 4.15 lakh birds were sighted.

However, the drop is attributed to temporary movement of the birds from the sanctuary area to other parts of the lagoon due to water level fluctuation in Nalabana which is a submersible island, a collection of mudflats.

"The drop may have been because of the untimely localised rain and weather which prompts the birds to head towards the fringe areas of the lagoon. With a temporary rise in water level, the birds move to other parts to roost. Once the water level drops, they would be back," Divisional Forest Officer of Chilika Bikash Ranjan Dash said.

The healthy number of bird population at Chilika was also because of their early arrival at the lagoon well before the onset of winter.

However, no new bird species was recorded this time, Dash said. Besides, no classification of migratory and resident migratory species was also made during the survey since a number of migratory species are showing a pattern of turning local.

Sita Utsav to attract tourists to Daringbadi, the 'Kashmir of Odisha'

BHUBANESWAR: If you want to experience the chill of hill stations and charm of pine forests, the aroma of coffee gardens amid lush green valleys, pack your bags for Daringbadi.

The state government plans to hold the three-day Sita Utsav to popularize the scenic Daringbadi and attract tourists to the spot. The festival will start on Friday.

The aim is to make popular such lesser known tourist places like Daringbadi, which is popularly known as the Kashmir of Odisha. Tourism in Odisha has become confined mostly to coastal places so we decided to hold Sita Utsav on the lines of the winter festivals being held in other states.

The festival will host a series of cultural events, including dance and musical extravaganza, an artists' camp, a poet's meet (Kavi sammelan), with special focus on Kandhamal. Major state-run cultural organizations such as Lalit Kala Akademi, Sangeet Natak Akademi and Sahitya Akademi will jointly host a series of programmes to make the place prominent on the tourism and cultural map of Odisha.

We want to make this festival different from other cultural festivals being held in the state in terms of performances and style of presentations. The programmes have been planned accordingly so that visitors get complete satisfaction of their holidays along with being entertained.

The nearby places for sight-seeing include coffee and pine plantations, a waterfall at Dasingbadi about 15km from Daringbadi, another waterfall at Ranipanga 22km from Daringbadi. Sonepur valley, a stretch of forests on the Daringbadi-Dasingbadi road, is only 12km from the hill town. Besides, visitors can also enjoy the scenic beauty of Mandasaru valley.

Three day festival at Chilika from January 11

BHUBANESWAR: The state government will organize Chilika Mahotsav at Satapada from January 11 with an aim to promote Chilika as a major tourist destination and highlight its unique flora and fauna.

The three-day festival will include various activities, including water sports, cultural performances, craft fair, and also dish out some mouthwatering food.

The festival is an attempt to promote lesser known tourist places like Satapada and divert tourists from Puri and Konark. It used to be a two-day affair, but this year onwards it will be a three-day festival,food supplies and consumer welfare minister Sanjay Dasburma, who reviewed the arrangements for the festivals on Wednesday.

The festival will be inaugurated with a boat and a torch rally from Kalijai to Satapada, in which over 50 decorated boats with banners carrying messages on the need and ways to conserve Chilika Lake will take part. Tourists can also enjoy water sports such as scuba diving and surfing during the festival facilitated by scuba diver Sabir Bux.

A variety of cultural programmes by established and local artists will be held on all three days. Traditional folk arts like gotipua, jodi sankha, ranapa, chhau, mahari, Manipuri, kathak, ghumura, sambalpuri, bihu will be performed. Prince Dance group will also perform on the occasion.

During this period, a huge variety of migratory birds flock to Chilika. A large number of foreign tourists visit this place during this season. Therefore, the festival will add another reason for tourists to plan a visit to Chilika.

Colorful Migratory Birds Visit Kuakhai

The Kuakhai river bed on the outskrits on the city is hosting flocks of different species of migratory birds this winter. The treats for birdwatchers include ruddy shelduck, open bill stork, cormorant, pond heron and eragets.

The ruddy shelduck usually breed in high altitude lakes and swamps of Jammu and Kashmir. They arrive in odisha by October and leave by april. When the temperature starts falling in the high altitude areas, these birds flock to large wetland and rivers with mud flats.

Residents of nearby villages said the migratory birds had been visiting visiting this particular part of the river for the last couple of years. Along with the birds, the place also attracts flocks of bird lovers in winter.