Fani Aftermath: Chilika Lake facing ecological imbalance

After cyclone 'Fani' hit the coastal state of Odisha earlier this month, the largest coastal lagoon in India is facing an ecological imbalance. A team from Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) is doing an on-ground survey to estimate the damage at the Chilika Lake.

New Delhi: Odisha's Chilika lake, the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia, connecting to the Bay of Bengal, is facing an ecological imbalance after the coastal state was hit by cyclone 'Fani', earlier this month.

A team from Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) is doing an on-ground survey to estimate the damage.

"Yes, we fear Fani might have done an ecological imbalance to Chilika lake. Our team is doing a survey over the matter," said Abhishek Narayanan, Head - WTI's Rescue and Rehabilitation Division.

Chilika lake is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest coastal lagoon in the world after the 'New Caledonian Barrier Reef' in New Caledonia.

Chilika has also been listed in the UNESCO's World Heritage List and is home to a number of endangered species of plants and animals.

Ever since the 'Fani' hit Odisha, WTI has launched a massive restoration work.

"We are facing severe challenges in reaching to the far-flung areas of the state. There is no communication. We can estimate the damage once we get the access," said Narayanan.

The WTI official also said that deer and birds have been affected most by 'Fani' in Odisha.

"Fani has further affected habitats in West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh," he added.

The officials are also taking the help of drones to take stock of the ground situation.

"Due to the inaccessibility to certain areas, we are also using drones to review the situation," Narayanan said.