Green activists oppose artificial dinosaur park near Chilika in Ganjam

Environmental activists and ornithologists of the State have protested against construction of an artificial dinosaur park within the fragile ecosystem of Chilika lagoon by the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC). The park is being developed on the Chadheihaga island with an aim to attract tourists to the Chilika lake. The OTDC has already put up fibre models of dinosaurs at the island by using concrete and steel reinforcements in the midst of natural rocks of the island. The OTDC has also floated tenders for other works of the proposed dinosaur park at the island.

Recently members of ‘Birds of Odisha (BO)’, Indian Birds (IB) and Open Wildlife Lounge (OWL) made a joint visit to the Chadheihaga island to take stock of the situation. The team was led by ornithologist Gahar Abedin. After the visit, they felt the recent artificial construction work at the island would alter the natural landscape and ecology of the area. They remarked that the government should accord priority to maintain ecological balance in such sensitive area rather than opting for ‘senseless development’ in the name of promoting tourism. The organisations have started a signature campaign to unite nature lovers of the State and outside against the construction work of the OTDC at Chadheihaga island.

The team of nature lovers pointed out that the Chadheihaga island came under Coastal Regulation Zone 1, where no alteration or construction that may disturb or completely destroy the complex ecology of the place was not allowed. Disturbing or altering these rocks of the island by breaking or rearranging would surely disturb the balance of the weight of the island completely or partially, they said. They cautioned that in course of time it may lead to destruction of the island as it would lose its propensity to withstand natural disasters.

Construction activity would also lead to air and noise pollution as well as pollution caused by construction material. After visiting the island they observed that it was an important site for nesting of resident as well as migratory birds. The dinosaur models would serve more like scarecrows and surely scare away both resident and migratory birds, the ornithologists said.

Source: The Hindu