Chilika Lake is a sizable saltwater lagoon that may be found in the coastal region of Orissa, India. After the New Caledonian Barrier Reef in New Caledonia, it is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second biggest lagoon in the world.
Over 160 different fish species and over 260 different bird species might well be found in the lake, which is inhabited by a diverse range of animals and vegetation. The Irrawaddy dolphin, the black-headed ibis, and the Indian roller are just a few of the endangered species that consider the lake home. It is a significant fish breeding area as well. Any of the numerous boats and cruises available to visitors can be used to explore the lake and its surroundings. It's very common for tourists to travel to the lake. The Chilika Temple and the Chilika Nagara Temple are two of the numerous temples and shrines that surround the lake.

ORIGIN OF LAKE CHILIKA
Lake Chilika's foundation is thought to have occurred approximately one and two million years ago, while its exact origin is unknown. The lake is believed to have originated as a result of nearby sedimentary deposits or as a result of tectonic activity. Chilika Lake may have formed as a result of flooding in the coastal region during the Pleistocene era, according to one theory. This hypothesis postulates that the lake may have once been a part of the Bay of Bengal, but that over time, sedimentary layers caused it to separate from the ocean.

IMPORTANCE OF LAKE CHILIKA
For the Indian state of Orissa, Lake Chilika is a significant resource in terms of economy, ecology, and culture. Chilika Lake's major contributions include the following:
Economic significance: Many locals depend on the lake for their daily sustenance, especially those who reside in fishing settlements. Over 160 different fish species can be found in the lake, several of which play a significant role in local trade.
Chilika Lake is significant ecologically since it is home to 260 different bird species and a wide variety of other animals. The Irrawaddy dolphin, the black-headed ibis, and the Indian roller are just a few examples of the numerous endangered species that call the lake home. It also serves as an important fish breeding area for numerous fish species. The Chilika Temple and Chilika Nagara Temple, which are significant places of devotion for the locals, are only two of the temples and shrines that surround the lake and have cultural significance. There are several boats and cruises available for guests to use while they explore the lake and its surroundings, making the lake another well-liked tourist attraction.
Chilika Lake serves as a crucial water source for the surrounding area's irrigation system and other uses. Aside from influencing local weather patterns, the lake also helps to lessen the effects of cyclones and floods.

EXPLOITATION
The lake and the ecology around it are used in a variety of ways, some of which may be detrimental. Chilika Lake is used for exploitation in the following ways, for example:
Overfishing: The lake provides a significant amount of fish for the local economy and is a source of income for a large number of people. Nevertheless, excessive fishing may result in fish population declines, which might be harmful to the lake's environment and the people who depend on it.
Due to its location, Chilika Lake is susceptible to contamination from several sources, such as sewage, solid waste, and runoff from industry and agriculture. Along with harming the plants and animals that depend on the lake, pollution can have a significant impact on the quality of the water.
Habitat destruction: A variety of threatened species, including the Irrawaddy dolphin, the black-headed ibis, and the Indian roller, call the area around the lake home. However, habitat loss due to things like the construction of homes and businesses may endanger these species and harm the lake's ecosystem.
Changes in rainfall patterns and warmer water temperatures are two of the effects of climate change that Chilika Lake is currently dealing with. The ecology and wildlife of the lake, as well as the locals who depend on it for their livelihoods, may be adversely impacted by these changes.

CHALLENGES IN LAKE CHILIKA
The ecological and monetary value of Lake Chilika is in danger due to several issues. Chilika Lake now faces several significant difficulties, such as:
Contamination: Chilika Lake is susceptible to pollution from several sources, including industrial and agricultural runoff, sewage, and solid waste. The water quality of the lake may be negatively impacted by pollution, which may also impair the plants and animals that rely on the lake for their survival.
Overfishing: The lake is a significant supply of fish for regional trade, and a large number of people rely on it for their living. Overfishing, however, can result in fish population declines, which can harm the lake's environment and the people who depend on it.
The Irrawaddy dolphin, the black-headed ibis, and the Indian roller are just a few of the endangered species that call the area around the lake home. Habitat destruction: The ecosystem of the lake, however, may be negatively impacted by habitat degradation, such as the creation of residential and commercial sectors.
Changes in rainfall patterns and rising water temperatures are only two of the effects of climate change being felt by Chilika Lake. The flora and fauna of the lake, as well as the people who depend on it for their livelihoods, may be negatively impacted by these changes.
Introduced invasive species: The lake's natural flora and wildlife may suffer as a result of the introduction of invasive species. A lake's ecosystem can be upset by invasive species that outcompete native ones for resources.
To safeguard the long-term viability of Chilika Lake and its surrounding ecology, it will be necessary to combine conservation efforts with ethical management techniques.

FISH, BIRDS, AND ANIMALS IN LAKE CHILIKA
Lake Chilika is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including a
several species of fish, birds, and plants.
Some of the fish species found in Chilika Lake include:
Catfish
Carp
Eel
Hilsa
Mackerel
Mullet
Sole
Tiger prawn
There are over 260 species of birds that can be found in and around Chilika Lake, including:
Black-headed ibis
Greater Flamingo
Grey heron
Indian darter
Indian pelican

Animals found here are, Fish, birds, dolphins, turtles, and saltwater crocodiles to name a few.
In terms of plants, Chilika Lake is home to many species of aquatic plants, including:
Water lilies
Water hyacinth
Water chestnut
Duckweed
Water fern

POLLUTION
Despite its significance, Chilika Lake is faced with a variety of issues, such as pollution and overfishing. The lake's natural beauty and ecological importance have been preserved via efforts in recent years to solve these problems.
Lake Chilika is susceptible to contamination from several sources, including sewage, solid waste, and runoff from industrial and agricultural operations. Chilika Lake's particular sources of contamination include the following:
Runoff from industry: The region around the lake is home to several businesses, including oil refineries, power plants, and chemical factories. These businesses have the potential to degrade the lake's water quality by discharging contaminants into the lake through their wastewater.
Agriculture runoff: A lot of agricultural regions surround the lake, and runoff from these areas may introduce pesticides, fertilizers, and other contaminants into the water. The flora and animals that depend on the lake as well as the water quality may be harmed by this.
Sewage: The lake is also susceptible to sewage contamination, whether it comes from sewage that has been improperly handled or from untreated sewage that has been dumped into the lake. Additionally endangering the public's health, might hurt the lake's water quality.
Solid trash: disposing of solid waste in and around the lake, such as plastic garbage, has the potential to contaminate it. This might have detrimental effects on the lake's water quality as well as the flora and animals that live there.

GOVERNMENT MEASURES TO REDUCE POLLUTION
With locals, the government is putting forth an unrelenting effort to clean up this lake.
Putting in place pollution control laws: To lessen the number of pollutants entering the lake, the government might put in place stronger laws governing industrial and agricultural runoff.
Enhancing sewage treatment: To lessen pollution and safeguard water quality, the government may decide to spend money on enhancing sewage treatment before it is discharged into the lake.
Enforcing laws governing solid waste management: To lessen pollution in the lake, the government might enforce laws and rules governing the management of solid waste, such as plastic garbage.
Offering financial support for conservation efforts: The government might offer financial support to community organizations and conservation groups that are trying to save the lake and the ecology that surrounds it.
Public education: To increase understanding of the value of the lake and the actions that may be taken to conserve it, the government might create educational programs.