Bhubaneswar: The controversy over the proposal to build a water aerodrome in Chilika Lake has become a topic of discussion in many households. While environmentalists are raising red flags some have opposite views.
Environmentalists believe such a move can seriously harm the ecosystem of the area. There could be a direct threat to the flora and fauna there from the sound and pollution caused by seaplanes. At the micrco level the aerodrome can affect the breeding of aquatic animals,” Jaya Krushna Panigraphi, Secretary of the Odisha Environment Society (OES) said.
BK Patnaik, another environmentalist from the city, believes the impact of the aerodrome can affect lifestyle and activities up to 1 sq km and can play havoc with the ecologically fragile system there.
“Birds and fish are very sensitive to sounds. The sounds emanating from seaplanes landing on water can frighten them. The ecosystem for which the lake is known could be put to harm,” said SN Patro, an expert on environment and wildlife.
Many are also concerned about the impact of the project, a brainchild of the Union civil aviation ministry, on the livelihood of the fishermen and the 131 villages near the brackish water lake.
The Additional Chief Executive of the Chilika Development Authority (CDA) Sasmita Lenka tried to allay fears on the issue.
She told Orissa POST, “It is just a proposal. Only an inspection was done. There will be wider consultations with other bodies like the Union environment ministry.”
However, some also think the apprehensions are due to lack of clarity. “There is some controversy over the issue as concerns have not been allayed by the authorities who planned it. These aircraft do not create much sound. They can actually boost tourism and bring high-end tourists,” said Simone Benjamine, former president of the All Odisha Tour Agents Association.
Simone said that there have been successful stories of seaplanes in countries like Maldives. He, however, cautioned that authorities have to ensure that no harm is done to the ecosystem.
Sankar Prasad Pani, lawyer at the National Green Tribunal (NGT) said, “A small interference in a small area of Chilika can also affect the whole system as everything is connected. The lake is also one of the rare sites in the country.”