Bhubaneswar, Jan 6: The 6th National Chilika Bird Festival was inaugurated at Lok Seva Bhawan here in Odisha on Tuesday, highlighting Odisha’s growing prominence as a hub for eco-tourism and biodiversity conservation. Jointly organised by the Department of Tourism and the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, the festival brought together officials, experts, and bird enthusiasts to celebrate the arrival of migratory birds to Chilika Lake, officials said.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, attending as Chief Guest, said the annual arrival of migratory birds to Odisha’s coast reflects the State’s favourable climate and healthy ecosystem. She emphasised that conservation of natural resources forms the foundation of sustainable tourism and stressed the importance of monitoring bird movements and habitats to safeguard Chilika’s biodiversity.

Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, present as Guest of Honour, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to environmental protection. He described Chilika Lake as both an ecological treasure and a source of livelihood for local communities, noting that the festival would further enhance its national and global appeal.

Other dignitaries included Principal Secretary, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma; Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Tourism Department, Balwant Singh; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Suresh Pant; and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Prakash Kumar Jha.

Balwant Singh outlined tourism initiatives aimed at positioning Chilika as a premier eco-tourism destination, while Suresh Pant highlighted its critical role in sustaining Odisha’s wildlife wealth and local livelihoods. Publications released on the occasion included a pocket guide based on observations of 150 million birds, a magazine on flamingos, and a booklet on bird conservation in Odisha.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the State Wildlife Organization and the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management to support the development, marketing, and planning of eco-tourism products. The welcome address was delivered by Prakash Kumar Jha, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Additional PCCF (Wildlife) Manoj V. Nair.

The festival, with its focus on conservation and eco-tourism, underscored Odisha’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage while promoting sustainable development.