Wetlands International South Asia (WISA) in collaboration with Chilika Development Authority, organized a Multistakeholder Meeting for the Integrated Management of Tampara Lake on December 6th, 2024, at the Wetland Research and Training Centre (WRTC), Chilika.
The workshop was chaired by Sri Amlan Nayak, OFS (STS), Additional Chief Engineer, CDA, who extended a warm welcome to the stakeholders present for the meeting. The stakeholders included representatives from the Forest Department, Behrampur, Irrigation Department, Chilika Development Authority, Pallishree, self-help groups (SHGs) from various Village Panchayats, and members from Wetlands International South Asia.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders to discuss their roles in implementing the actions outlined in the draft Integrated Management Plan (IMP) for Tampara Lake. It focused on finalizing the IMP, addressing critical issues such as sedimentation, aquatic vegetation growth, solid waste pollution, and climate risks affecting water quality and biodiversity.
The workshop also presented findings from community interactions and perception surveys conducted by Netcoast and CDA in 2022. These surveys provided valuable insights into local challenges, priorities, and expectations for conserving Tampara Lake. Additionally, an overview of the draft Integrated Management Action Plan (IMAP) was shared, encouraging stakeholders to provide feedback to ensure the final plan adopts a collaborative approach that meets the needs of both the community and the environment. Participants emphasized the lake’s ecological significance as a habitat for diverse species and its vital role in supporting livelihoods and tourism for local communities.
