Odisha museum to showcase marine diversity

In a bid to showcase the marine diversity, the state of Odisha has built an exquisite fish-shaped museum. The museum, which was constructed by the Chilika Development Authority (CDA), is situated near Barkal on the banks of Chilika, Asia's largest brackish water lake.

Nearly 330 species of fish and 12 species of prawn sustain the lives of two lakh fishermen and account for close to 20 percent of the seafood exports of Odisha.

The marine diversity is on display at the museum as it showcases different varieties of fish, crab, and prawn said CDA chief executive Susanta Nanda. Moreover, there will be a mini aquarium with some ornamental fish. Visitors to the museum, which is expected to be inaugurated next week, will be charged a minimal entry fee of Rs 5. The project has been executed by investing Rs 50 lakh under the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA).

Chilika, which was the main trading centre and had a prominent harbour during the reign of the Kalinga dynasty, is a place replete with history. The lake is the main tourist attraction of Chilika, which is situated on the eastern side of Odisha. The tourists can indulge in fishing, boating, and bird watching while visiting the Chilika lake. The place is an abode for many varieties of birds, water animals, and reptiles. During winter, different species of birds migrate to the lake. The Chilika lake is situated near the mouth of Daya River and spread across 1,100 sq km.