Proposed water aerodrome in Chilika Lake likely to face green hurdle |ForumIAS

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News:

The Airports Authority of India has proposed to set up a water aerodrome in Chilka Lake for starting amphibious aircraft operations in Odisha.

Chilika Lake:

Chilika lake is a brackish water lagoon, spread over the Puri, Khurda and Ganjam district of Odisha at the mouth of Daya River, flowing into the Bay of Bengal.
Largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest coastal lagoon in the world after The New Caledonian barrier reef in New Caledonia.
It is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian Sub-Continent.
The Lake is home to a number of threatened species of plants and animals.

Important facts:

2. The pre-feasibility study has already been completed for the same.

3. From the last six months, Chilka lake turns into a temporary habitat for lakh of migratory and residential birds

4. The Chilka Development Authority, the apex regulatory authority for Chika lake, will submit its opinion about the project.

5. However, the project will face green hurdles because of the following reasons:

a) If an aircraft flies at low height, there is every chance of the birds getting hit.

b) The bird population will be in danger.

c) The safety of passengers of amphibious aircraft will also be jeopardize.

d) Noise pollution generated by close to 10,000 boats has already taken a toll on the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins in the lake.

e) Around 155 endangered Irrawaddy dolphins were spotted in Chilka, which is the single largest habitat of this species in the world.

6. The Odisha government has decided to regulate boat operation in the lake following the death of six passengers in recent boat tragedy.

7. This incidence has made life jacket mandatory for tourists and GPS on the boats.

Proposed water aerodrome in Chilika Lake likely to face green hurdle