Odisha to Finalize Integrated Wetland Management Plans by October

Bhubaneswar: The State Wetland Authority announced that integrated management plans for six major wetlands of Odisha—Chilika, Ansupa, Bhitarkanika mangroves, Hirakud Reservoir, Satkosia Gorge, and Tampada—will be completed by the end of October. The decision was taken at the Authority’s fourth meeting held at Lok Seva Bhawan.

Chairing the meeting, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia directed divisional forest officers and field directors to work closely with government departments and stakeholders while preparing the plans. He emphasized that wetlands must be conserved not only for biodiversity but also to support livelihoods and build climate resilience.

Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrata Sahu called wetlands the “lifeline of Odisha’s ecosystems,” stressing the importance of timely fund utilization, balancing development with conservation, and promoting eco-tourism in non-sensitive areas.

The meeting was attended by Tourism Secretary Balwant Singh, PCCF (Wildlife) Prem Kumar Jha, PCCF (Kendupatra) Uma Nanduri, Environment Director and Member Secretary K.S. Pradeep, and the CEO of the Chilika Development Authority. Senior officials from Revenue, Disaster Management, and Water Resources departments also participated, while divisional forest officers joined virtually.