Odisha’s Chilika Lake, one of the largest wintering grounds in Asia, has started welcoming migratory birds to its wetlands. However, numbers are down when compared to previous years. The lake also serves as a home for 230 bird species, including 97 intercontinental migrants from the Arctic and Eurasian regions. There are several contributing factors behind this worrying decrease.
The Impact of Natural Disasters and Human Activities
One major reason for a declined number of migratory birds is the flooding caused by cyclone Titli. This natural disaster hit the Odisha coast in the second week of October, causing incessant rain. Furthermore, human activities, including a growth in prawn farming, increased use of mechanized boats, different fishing nets and gears all pose threats to the flagship species of Chilika lagoon including the Irrawaddy dolphin. Silting and reduced salinity of the area are also alarming conservationists.
Chilika Lake: A Brackish Water Lagoon of Importance
Located in coastal Odisha, Chilika Lake is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. Embracing rich bio-diversity and socio-economic importance, it was designated a Ramsar site, a wetland of international importance, since 1981. With its reed islands teeming with nesting birds and attracting migratory ones flying great distances from Iran, Central Asia and Siberia, the lake holds high importance for global wetlands. Here, Irrawaddy dolphins are another major attraction, particularly at Satpada Island. Along with its ecological significance, the lake also supports local fishermen’s livelihoods through Chilika’s prawn, mackerel and crabs.
| Key Facts | |
|---|---|
| Chilika Lake Area | 1,000 sq km |
| Total Bird Species | 230 |
| Intercontinental Migrants | 97 |
| Typical Wintering Birds | Nearly 1 million |
Migingo Island Dispute
Migingo Island in Lake Victoria has been a source of contention between Uganda and Kenya, both claiming its sovereignty. The densely populated island, which is barely a quarter of a hectare, drew the attention of Ugandan authorities who taxed fishermen and protected against pirates. This action triggered a response from Kenya’s government, which deployed security forces to Migingo, sparking tensions between the two nations in 2009. While a joint commission was created to determine the watery border, no conclusive results have been determined.
Rich Biodiversity at Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS)
Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS) in Uttarakhand is known for its remarkable biodiversity and medieval temples. Home to over 200 different species of rhododendrons, or buransh, the state flower of Uttarakhand, and the endangered musk deer, KWS holds a prominent place among Western Himalayas’ protected areas. Of importance is the sanctuary’s wealth of moth species, which act as indicators of forest health and can aid in understanding changes in ecological hierarchy amid habitat degradation and climate change. One peculiar species is the large tiger moth, which secretes a defense mechanism liquid, making it unpalatable to predators.
Agricultural Innovations Earn Gujarat ‘Best Agriculture Award’
The Indian Council of Food and Agriculture (ICFA) has honored Gujarat with the ‘Best Agriculture Award’ for its innovation and technological advancement in farming at the ’11th Global Agriculture Leadership Summit and Leadership Awards – 2018.’ The state has adopted several initiatives towards better farming practices such as Krishi Mahotsav, Soil Health Card, Post harvest management, dairy and animal husbandry.
On the Role of the Indian Council of Food and Agriculture (ICFA)
As an apex think tank, ICFA addresses policy issues concerning farmers, food and agro-industries. Serving as a global platform for trade facilitation, partnerships, technology, investments, and agribusiness services, ICFA plays a proactive role in discerning critical challenges in Indian agriculture and creating opportunities for development, value addition and international trade to augment farmers’ growth and farm revenue.
Upcoming Technology Summit
India will host the 24th edition of the Technology Summit with Italy as the partner country. The summit, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in collaboration with the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, serves as a comprehensive knowledge-business partnership platform. It will facilitate convergence of knowledge economies of India and Italy, promoting collaborations between industries and universities from both nations. The summit will focus on seven sectors: Aerospace, Cleantech, Cultural Heritage, Education, Healthcare, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Renewables.