The sixth National Chilika Bird Festival was inaugurated today at the conference hall of Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar. The festival is being jointly organized by the Department of Tourism and the Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change.
Deputy Chief Minister Prabhati Parida, who attended the event as the chief guest, said that the annual arrival of migratory birds in Odisha’s coastal areas is a clear indicator of the state’s favorable climate and healthy ecosystem.
She emphasized the importance of protected and reserved forests, stating that the conservation of natural resources is the cornerstone of sustainable and responsible tourism. She also stressed the need to further strengthen conservation efforts to protect Chilika’s rich biodiversity and to continuously monitor the arrival, movement, and habitats of migratory birds.
Minister of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Ganesh Ram Singh khuntia, was present as the guest of honor. He reiterated that environmental protection and conservation are among the top priorities of the Odisha government.
He said that Chilika Lake, renowned for its natural beauty and diverse bird species, is not only an ecological treasure but also a vital source of livelihood for local communities. He expressed confidence that the National Bird Festival would further enhance Chilika’s identity and appeal.
Other dignitaries present at the event included Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma, Principal Secretary, Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change; Balwant Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Department of Tourism; Suresh Pant, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force; and Prakash Kumar Jha, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden. Senior officials, bird enthusiasts, and subject matter experts were also in attendance.
