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Chilika's Fading Flush: A Lagoon in Crisis
17 Jan
Summary
- Chilika's tidal prism reduced by 30-40% compared to pre-1990s.
- Tourism has surged, with visitor numbers rising from 1.2 lakh to 7.5 lakh.
- Solutions involve upstream sediment reduction and maintaining sea connection.
Chilika Lagoon's ecological health has significantly declined, with its flushing capacity reduced by 30-40% since the pre-1990s. Once a thriving ecosystem with a large tidal prism, the lagoon's ability to cleanse itself has weakened, crossing a geomorphic tipping point in the late 1990s.
Tourism has emerged as a vital economic driver, with annual visitors increasing from 1.2 lakh in 2005-06 to 7.5 lakh in 2019-20. However, this growth necessitates ecological discipline, as seen in contrasting examples like Satapada's crowded dolphin-watching tours versus Mangalajodi's successful community-led ecotourism model.
Restoring Chilika requires comprehensive upstream interventions, including soil conservation, reforestation, and targeted desiltation. Maintaining a strong, single sea connection and freeing internal circulation are essential. These measures are critical for the lagoon's future, balancing economic development with environmental preservation.
