Environment

Irrawaddy dolphin found dead in Chilika

·        Irrawaddy dolphins fall under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and are referenced in the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Endangered Species.

·        Irrawaddy dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) are found in coastal areas in South and Southeast Asia, and in three rivers: the Irrawaddy (Myanmar), the Mahakam (Indonesian Borneo), and the Mekong (China). Dolphin circulation in Chilika is viewed as the most elevated single tidal pond populace.

·        Chilika Lake Chilika is Asia’s largest and world’s second-largest lagoon.

·        It lies on the east bank of India in the province of Odisha, isolated from the strong Bay of Bengal by a little piece of sand.

·        It is located at the mouth of the Daya River, flowing into the Bay of Bengal,

·        It is the biggest wintering ground for transient birds on the Indian subcontinent and is home to various undermined types of plants and creatures.

·        In 1981, Chilika Lake was assigned the principal Indian wetland of worldwide significance under the Ramsar Convention.

·        The major attraction at Chilika is Irrawaddy dolphins which are often spotted off Satpada Island.

·        The huge Nalabana Island (Forest of Reeds) covering around 16 sq km in the tidal pond region was proclaimed a bird safe-haven in 1987.

·        Kalijai Temple is situated on an island in Chilika Lake.

·        At present, the Irrawaddy dolphins are only found between Chilika and Indonesia in Asia.