Bhubaneswar: Barely two days after the Centre approved the proposal to set up a water aerodrome at Chilika lake, senior BJD leaders have strongly opposed the move on the ground that it will severely affect the bio-diversity of the brackish water lagoon.
Senior BJD leader and Revenue Minister Maheswar Mohanty said, “The sea plane proposal should be scrapped as it will affect the bio-diversity of the lake. Chilika is our pride and its bio-diversity is famous throughout Asia. Hence, no sea plane must fly to and from there.”
The minister added that he will bring the issue to the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s notice and protest the move of Union Civil Aviation Ministry.
Senior BJD leader and Dhenkanal MP Tathagata Satpathy too opposed the proposal strongly. “Quelle horreur! Proposed amphibian airport inside Chilika lake, one of the largest brackish water lakes which gets thousands of winged visitors from around the globe, will surely make birds and marine life vanish forever. I strongly oppose such dumb ideas,” tweeted Satpathy.
Another BJD leader, Bramhagiri MLA Sanjay Das Burma said it would affect the marine ecosystem of the lake.
“The lake is a host of natural beauty. There are 375 species of fishes and over 170 dolphins in the lake. Besides, over 230 species of migratory birds flock there. Such a natural glory shouldn’t be explored for commercial tourism,” Das Burma said.
Reacting to the proposal, tourism minister Ashok Chandra Panda said no one has sought his opinion on the project. “I get to know about the Centre’s approved for the project from media. As it is related to bio-diversity, any decision should be taken with utmost care,” he said.
Asked about the issue, Forest and Environment secretary Suresh Mohapatra said, “We have not received any communication in this regard from the Centre so far. We will examine and take action on this only after receiving a communication on the issue.” However, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan defended the decision of the Centre saying it will create employment opportunity and enhance the tourism potential of the spot. Besides, the state will earn additional revenue, if the project is executed. Reacting to BJD leaders’ statements, he said, “Opposing the project for political gains is not good for the state as well as the youths.”
