Parliament Question: Conservation and development of Chilika Lake

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4392 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.04.2026 Conservation and development of Chilika Lake

4392. SHRI SUBHASISH KHUNTIA:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to

state:

(a) the details of Central funds released for conservation and eco-development of Chilika Lake during the last five years;

(b) whether the Chilika Development Authority has submitted utilisation certificates and if so, the action taken thereon and if no action has been taken, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether any audit of such funds has been conducted and if so, the findings thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(d) whether infrastructure development, including jetties and eco-tourism facilities, has been undertaken and if so, the current status thereof and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a) to (d) MoEF&CC is currently implementing a Centrally sponsored scheme namely, the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-systems (NPCA) for conservation and management of wetlands (includes lakes) in the country on cost sharing basis between the Central Government and respective State Governments. Under NPCA, a total amount of Rs.

6.38 crores (approx.) has been released as central share during the last five years for conservation and management of Chilika Lake, which has been utilised by the State.

As per the information received from Chilika Development Authority (CDA), the audit of such funds has been duly conducted and some observations were made regarding issues like delay in execution of project, non-functioning of General body and Executive Committee etc.

CDA has submitted replies to all the audit observations. Extensive infrastructure development of the lake has been undertaken which includes renovation of jetty, construction of boat sheltering yard, development of the approach road to jetty, construction of multipurpose community hall for the fisherman community etc.

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