Justification of Outstanding Universal Value

Chilika Lake is the largest brackish water lake with estuarine character that sprawls along the east coast of India. It is considered to be the largest lagoon in India and counted amongst the largest lagoons in the world. It is the largest wintering ground for migratory waterfowl found anywhere on the Indian sub-continent. It is one of the hotspot of biodiversity in the country, and some rare, vulnerable and endangered species listed in the IUCN Red List of threatened Animals inhabit the Lake area for atleast part of their life cycle. On account of its rich bio-diversity, Chilika lake was designated as a "Ramsar Site", i.e. a wetland of International Importance. The Nalaban Island within the lake is notified as a Bird Sanctuary under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The National Wetlands, Mangroves and Coral Reefs Committee of the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India, have also identified the lake as a priority site for conservation and management. The Lake is a highly productive ecosystem, with rich fishery resources. The rich fishing grounds sustain the livelihood of more than 0.2 million fisherfolk who live in and around the lake. It has a great heritage value and maritime trade to the far east countries used to take place from here.

It is also the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian sub-continent and supports some of the largest congregation of migratory birds from large parts of Asia, particularly during the winters that arrive from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea, remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and South East Asia, Ladakh and the Himalayas to feed and breed in its fertile waters.

Criterion (ix): The Chilika lake is of estuarine character in an ephemeral environment. It has been indicated in the geological studies that in the Pleistocene era, the north-eastern region was lying under the sea and the coastline extended along the western shore of the lake. It is supported by the fact that the Konark Sun Temple which was originally built on the seashore is now about 3 km away from the coast. A fossil found on the south-western edge of the respect indicates the formation of the lake about 3500 to 4000 years ago.

The lake has several islands and form important habitat for the birds and animals. The hydrological system of the lake comprises of inflow of freshwater on a perennial basis from the Mahanadi river, and several rivers which are not perennial. On the east side the lake has the Bay of Bengal. The unique ecological system of the lake represents significant ongoing ecological and biological process and supports important communities of plant and animals on its freshwater coastal and marine ecosystem.

Criterion (x): Chilika lake is a assemblage of marine, brackish and freshwater ecosystem, that support amazing biodiversity. It is a home to highly endangered Irrawaddy dolphin. As per the 2013 census, about 150 dolphins are found here and is, therefore, considered as the largest lagoon supported population of the World. It is the largest wintering ground of migratory birds in Indian sub-continent and support about 225 species at different part of their life cycle. The rich fish fauna comprising of about 317 species sustain the livelihood of more than 0.2 million fishermen.

The health of the ecosystem as per the assessment made by Chilika Development Authority in collaboration with Maryland University, USA, is considered as excellent. The sea grass meadows of the lake are expanding in spite of anthropogenic pressure, which is a sign of healthy ecosystem. Thus the lake contains the most important and significant actual habitat for in situ conservation of biological diversity including rare species of birds and animals. Thus it is an outstanding example representing significant ecological and biological process in evolution of marine, brackish and freshwater ecosystem.

Statements of authenticity and/or integrity

The lake is a unique habitat that comprises of Marine, brackish and freshwater ecosystem and supports any biodiversity comprising of birds and aquatic animals. The migratory birds of the lake are protected under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and the part of the lake comprising important habitat has been notified as a Sanctuary for protection of the migratory birds. The lake is also regulated under Coastal Regulation Zone Notification – 2011. The lake has also been designated as a Ramsar site since 1981. The lake was included in the Montreux Record (Threatened list) in 1993 by Ramsar Secretariat due to the change in the ecological character of the lake ecosystem. Susequently, however, due to successful restoration of the lake ecosystem by Chilika Development Authority it was removed from the Montreux Record in 2002 (first site from Asia).

Chilika lake is in the priority list of Government of India and the State Government of Odisha for conservation and maintenance of its unique ecosystem and life form. The successful restoration of the lake by Chilika Development Authority has emerged as a global example.

Comparison with other similar properties

There are several lakes and lagoons inscribed as World Heritage, some of these being the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon (Palau), the Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems (France), Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley (Kenya), Lake Turkana National Parks, (Kenya) and Lake Malawi National Park (Malawi). However, Chilika is comparable to each for a select aspect only, and not it totality.

Rock Islands Southern Lagoon is a Mixed site and consists of numerous forested limestone islands within a marine lagoon supporting rich biodiversity. Lagoons of New Caledonia represent diversity of coral reefs and associated ecosystems. The Kenya Lake system comprises of 3 interlinked alkaline shallow lakes and supports some of the highest bird diversities in the world, including many endangered species. Lake Turkana comprises the largest saline desert lake in the world surrounded by an arid landscape often devoid of life but serves as a stopover for migratory birds and as major breeding grounds for the Nile crocodile, hippopotamus and a variety of venomous snakes. Lake Malawi with its deep clean waters is renowned for its fish biodiversity.

Chilika shares some attributes with each but in itself presents a unique case, as one of the largest lagoons in the world, brackish in nature with estuarine character. It is the largest winter ground of migratory birds in Indian sub-continent and home to more than 150 highly threatened Irrawaddy dolphin, which is the largest lagoonal population globally. Apart from its amazing biodiversity, it is unique in its aesthetic and rich cultural heritage with the highly productive fishery resources of the lake sustaining the livelihood of more than 0.2 million fisher-folk.

Places of Interest

Bird Island : A perfect destination for the ornithologists to watch birds in their natural habitat.

Nalabana : This is among some of the few designated bird sanctuaries under the Wildlife Protection Act. Nalabana is a big island in the center of the lake where during winters, a large plush of resident and migratory avians prove as a treat for the bird-watchers in a complete bungee experience. This island is completely submerged in the monsoon months.

Mangalajodi : Formerly, Manglajodi was known to be the poachers' village, since the residents of the village were completely involved in the poaching activities; but later, in awareness, the village is today considered as a community which is owned by wildlife venture. The community is supported by Mangalajodi Ecotourism.

Kalijai Island : this island is ideally being treated as the abode of Goddess Kalijai. Pilgrims flock here in January during Makar Mela (at the time of Makar Sankranti) to pay obeisance to the Goddess. The ancient belief of the locals describes that a girl named Kali and her sister (the other few years later) were drowned in the island, when she came to the island in search of Kali. The local folks used to hear their cries in the Kalijai Island area. But when the temple was constructed the cries of the sisters were no more being heard at night that proved some auspicious and sacred reasons for it. The area is easily accessible from Barkul.

The impressive part of this area is that the flocks of peacocks roam here, mingling with the devotees. Earlier fishermen used to visit the temple before venturing into the deep sea, but nowadays, it's just another tourist spot.

Satapada : This location is close to Dolphin point, where the critically endangered Irrawady dolphins and bottle-nosed dolphins can be seen. Chilka is one of the only 2 lagoons in the world where Irrawady dolphins can be seen.

Brahmaputra : The place is known for its scenic beauty and serves for the great picnic spots for the tourists.

Breakfast Island : 20 minutes boat ride from Rambha will take the tourists to this amazing island AT Chilka Lake zone. The island is being named so since the tourists pack breakfast from the OTDC panthanivas at Rambha and have it here in the pristine surroundings. Beacon Island and Honeymoon Island are other attractions at the nearby area of the Breakfast Island.

Rambha is the most ideal place from where the famous Chilka Lake can be discovered and the location also brings frequent boat trips to visit the islands and to watch thousands of birds.

Nearby Tourist Attractions & Excursions Places

Govt. College of Arts & Craft : Located in Khallikote, about 25 km from Balugaon and 12 km from Rambha, this art gallery is located in the palace of the erstwhile king of Khallikote. Surrounded by all the sides with lushly mountains, it affords some beautiful views and depicts many famous Indian contemporary painters as its alumni. The art gallery present inside has some beautiful paintings reflecting Orissa's culture.

Nirmaljhara : It is a perennial stream that has been channeled into different ponds and has been located in Khallikote, very close to the art college. Built in 1676, the stream is also illuminated by many temples. Adventurous persons can take a bath in one of the ponds here.

Banapur : Known for Bhagawati Temple and markets, Banapur area is best known for hang-outs and shopping.

Narayani : About 15 km from Balugaon, it has a temple in scenic surroundings in the Eastern Ghats.

Oriya people consider it to be very lucky if Kalijai Temple, Bhagwati Temple and Narayani temple are visited on the same day.

Salia Dam : this dam is being built on River Salia and is located amidst the stunning locales. About 25 km from Rambha and 15 km from Barakul, the Salia Dam is the most eligible location for sight-seeing and some adventurous leisure trips.

Gopalpur-On-Sea : It is an astounding beach resort in Ganjam district of Odisha. It was once a busy sea-port used for trading but today is the quietest place converted ideally for the lonely-seekers and the people looking for pacification. The area is quite free from all the hustle and bustle of the temple town of Orissa with the attractions of scenic and marine beauties. Gopalpur-on-sea is today one of the foremost beach resorts in India.

Puri : Most popularly this location is known for the famous Rath Yatra at Jagannath Temple which is being held in the month of Asadh (June & July) and the chariot of Lord Jagannath is being carried for public display. Located in the Bay of Bengal, Puri is one of the holiest places in India and is endowed with tremendous attractive sea-beaches.