Eco-Degradation to Eco-Restoration of Chilika Lagoon : An Overview

Abstract

Chilika lagoon is the largest coastal lagoon in the Indian subcontinent and the much focused Ramsar site of international importance. The lake being an assemblage of shallow to very shallow marine, brackish and freshwater ecosystem and having rich fishery resources witnessed rapid eco-degradation during the last few decades, with increasing sediment loads, decreasing salinity and several other natural changes coupled with incessant anthropogenic pressure, which have altered the natural attributes of the lagoon. The present paper communicates the detailed account from degradation to restoration of the lagoon.