Chilika Dev. Authority

Chilika Development Authority (a Government of Odisha Agency) has been created under Forest & Environment Department of Government of Odisha in the year 1991 with an objective for conservation of ecology of Chilika lagoon and to bring an all round development in and around the lagoon which calls for multi-dimensional and multi-disciplinary development activities. The broad objectives of Chilika Development Authority are :

Objectives of Chilika Development Authority
  • To protect the Lake eco-system with all its genetic diversity.
  • To execute various multidimensional developmental activities either itself or through some other agency to enhance the economic condition of the community.
  • To survey, plan and prepare the project proposal for integrated Resource Management for all-round development in and around the Lake.
  • To co-operate and collaborate with other institutions of the States, National and International institutions for all-round development of the Lake.
  • To establish management information system for the Lake.
  • To promote long term multidisciplinary research, prepare environment status report and establish education centre for the lake.
Besides this, the other Aims and Objectives are
  • Control of silt load in to the lagoon through catchments management in a participatory manner.
  • Management of Macrophytes and invasive species.
  • Sustainable fishery resource development.
  • Conservation of Biodiversity.
  • Eco-restoration of Islands including habitat improvement of birds.
  • Improvement of communication network.
  • Promotion of Eco-tourism.
  • Inventory and assessment of the lagoon resources.
  • Environmental Impact Assessment.
  • To upgrade the management and professional skills of the member associated with conservation and development of the Lagoon.
  • To undertake preservation and management of other wetlands of the State.

Governing Body

The general superintendence of the affairs of the Authority is vested in the Governing Body. Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha is the Chairman of Chilika Development Authority. All the duties, powers, functions and rights whatsoever consequential or incidental to the carrying out of the objectives of the authority shall be exercised by the Chairman or by powers delegated to Vice-Chairman or Chief Executive. The Governing Body shall be bound to carry out any direction that the state Government in Forests & Environment Department gives from time to time.

List of Governing Body Members of Chilika Development Authority
1 Chief Minister, Odisha Chairman
2 Minister, Forest & Environment Department Working-Chairman
3 Member of Parliament, Puri Member
4 Member, Odisha Legislative Assembly, Brahmagiri Member
5 Member, Odisha Legislative Assembly, Chilika Member
6 Member, Odisha Legislative Assembly, Khalikote Member
7 Chief Secretary to Government, Odisha Member
8 Secretary to Government, F & E Department Member
9 Secretary to Government, Home Department Member
10 Secretary to Government, Law Department Member
11 Secretary to Government, F & ARD Department Member
12 Secretary to Government, Tourism Department Member
13 Secretary to Government, Revenue Department Member
14 Secretary to Government, Finance Department Member
15 Chief Wildlife Warden, Odisha Member
16 Director, Environment & Special Secretary, F&E Department Member
17 Collector, Puri Member
18 Collector, Khurda Member
19 Collector, Ganjam Member
20 Dr.(Mrs) Priyambada Mohanty Hejmadi Member
21 Nominee of Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India Member
22 Director, Wetland International South Asia Member
23 Director, CIFRI, Kolkata Member
24 Prof. and Head, Department of Ocean Engineer, IITM, Chennai Member
25 Chief Executive, Chilika Development Authority Member-Convener