Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Feb 25: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Wednesday approved the annual plan of Rs 26.74crore of the Chilika Development Authority (CDA) for the 2014-15 fiscal.
“Ensuring the interests of the fishermen community is a priority of the state government. Fish production in Chilika has increased after its revamp,” the Chief Minister said, urging CDA to take adequate steps for strengthening various primary cooperative societies meant for fishermen. He also asked the officials to take steps for marketing of fish in Chilika.
The CM further directed the forest and environment department and CDA to form a committee for carrying out sustainable and long-term programmes at Chilika for ensuring livelihood of the fishermen community and promoting tourism.
The governing body, under the chairmanship of Patnaik, also approved Rs 2.42 crore for preparing a master plan meant to develop tourist facilities at Chilika Lake and nearby places. Around 10 spots are to be developed under this plan. Likewise, a Rs 1.10 crore grant has been allocated for the Integrated Lake Basin Management Project in the 2014-15 fiscal.
It was revealed at the meeting that the process of turning Chilika (Regulation of Fisheries ) Bill into an Act has been expedited. The board approved the proposal for establishing a ‘Ramsar Regional Centre for South Asia’ –a proposal given by Switzerland-based ‘Ramsar Convention Secretariat’ to include Chilika as a key place for conserving wetlands in South Asia.
Before the start of the meet, Patnaik awarded Priyambada Mohanty with the Biju Patnaik Award in the field of wildlife conservation.