The Union government has recently proposed the establishment of five water aerodromes in India, aiming to enhance and promote tourism. One such proposed location is the Chilika Lake; however, this plan is currently facing severe opposition from the state government of Odisha and several institutions. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, situated in Odisha, is expressing its concern and has requested both the state government and Central Government to reconsider this plan.
Impact on Local Communities and Biodiversity
The state government voices their worry that this initiative might negatively affect approximately a whopping 200,000 fisherman families and also the biodiversity of Asia’s largest saltwater lake. Aside from Chilika Lake, other locations like the Sardar Sarovar Dam and Sabarmati River Front in Gujarat, have gained clearance for the water aerodrome project in its initial phase. Other regions in the pipeline for similar projects are Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and Maharashtra.
Prafulla Samantara, a notable environmental activist, and Green Nobel prize recipient, opposes the water aerodrome proposal. He argues it could significantly impact the biodiversity of these regions and negatively affect the livelihoods of countless families who are dependent on these water bodies.
Understanding Water Aerodromes
A water aerodrome is essentially an open water area where seaplanes or amphibious aircraft can land and take off. They are designed to offer quick and safe transportation across waters, providing an alternative to local boats. Depending upon the traffic amount, a water aerodrome might also feature terminal buildings on the shore or a jetty for plane docking and bays for parking. Some island nations, particularly wealthier ones like the British Virgin Islands, already have operational water aerodromes. Canada is another such country with existing water aerodromes, found on the Great Slave Lake at Yellowknife, Vancouver Island at Tofino, and Schwatka Lake at Whitehorse.
Chilika Lake – A Natural Marvel
Chilika Lake is known for being Asia’s largest and the world’s second-largest lagoon, coming after the New Caledonian barrier reef located in New Caledonia. It is situated on India’s east coast in Odisha, separated from the Bay of Bengal by a narrow sand strip. The lake stretches over three Odisha districts, namely Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam, occupying over 1,100 square kilometers. It is uniquely the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian subcontinent and is home to various threatened plant and animal species. In 1981, Chilika Lake was recognized as the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
About Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, is an intergovernmental treaty providing a framework for conservation efforts and international collaboration for the sensible use of wetlands and their resources. It is the only global environment treaty that specifically focuses on one particular ecosystem.