Chilika Lake | Map in Odisha, India & Key Facts
Chilika Lake is one of the most important lakes in India. It is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia and the second largest in the world after the New Caledonian barrier reef. It is located on the east coast of India (Odisha). The lake is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds in the Indian subcontinent.
A lagoon is a shallow water body separated from the sea by sandbars, reefs, or barrier islands.
Table of Contents
Location & Physical Features of Chilika Lake
Chilika Lake lies on the Eastern Coastal Plain, connected to the Bay of Bengal, and is influenced by the Mahanadi river system through its distributaries like Daya and Bhargavi. It spreads across three districts of Odisha.
- Districts: Puri, Khordha, Ganjam
- Area: ~1,100 sq km (monsoon), ~900 sq km (dry season)
- Maximum depth: ~4.2 metres
- Major Rivers: Daya and Bhargavi
- Sea connection: ~32 km long channel
Islands on Chilika
- Nalabana Island – Bird Sanctuary (1987), ~15.5 sq km
- Kalijai Island – Known for the Kalijai temple
- Other Small Islands – Honeymoon, Breakfast, Satapada, Sagadia, Malatikuda Island, etc.
Ramsar & Ecological Status
Chilika Lake has high international importance due to its wetland ecosystem.
- 1981: First Indian wetland to be declared a Ramsar site
- 1993: Added to Montreux Record (due to siltation, low salinity)
- 2002: Removed after successful restoration
- UNESCO: Not designated
Biodiversity & Protected Areas
Chilika is the largest wintering ground for migratory waterfowl in the Indian subcontinent, so it has very high ecological value.
Wintering Ground is a place where migratory birds stay during winter for food and survival.
Important protected site:
- Nalabana Bird Sanctuary – Declared in 1987, located within the lake (~15.5 sq km)
- No National Park or Tiger Reserve is located within Chilika Lake.
Major birds include:
- Flamingos (large breeding groups)
- Bar-headed geese
- Herons, egrets, jacana
- White-bellied sea eagles
Birds migrate from regions like:
- Caspian Sea
- Lake Baikal
- Central Asia & Siberia
It also supports around 160 Irrawaddy dolphins, mainly found near Satapada (outer channel). This is the largest population in India.
Other fauna nearby include blackbuck, jackals, and spotted deer.
Culture & Conservation
Chilika is part of the local culture in Odisha. A 400-year-old poem by Purshottam Das mentions Lord Krishna near its banks.
For conservation, the Chilika Development Authority (1991) was established. The opening of a new sea mouth (2000) improved salinity and fish production.
MCQs on Chilika Lake
1. Consider the following statements regarding Chilika Lake:
- It is the largest coastal lagoon in India.
- It is directly fed by the Godavari River system.
- It is connected to the Bay of Bengal through a natural channel.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
👉 Answer: A. 1 and 3 only
2. Chilika Lake was included in the Montreux Record primarily due to:
A. Over-tourism and habitat loss
B. Siltation and reduced salinity
C. Increase in dolphin population
D. Industrial pollution only
👉 Answer: B. Siltation and reduced salinity
3. Consider the following pairs:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Nalabana | Permanent island |
| 2. Satapada | Dolphin habitat |
| 3. Kalijai Island | Religious site |
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
A. 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
👉 Answer: A. 2 and 3 only
4. Which one of the following statements best describes Chilika Lake in the context of ecological restoration?
A. It is still listed under the Montreux Record
B. It was removed from the Montreux Records after restoration efforts
C. It has never faced ecological stress
D. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
👉 Answer: B. It was removed from Montreux Records after restoration efforts