Skip to content

Chilika Lake, Odisha

Introduction

Chilika Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in India, located in the Odisha state. It is situated approximately 250 km south of Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha. The lake covers an area of about 1,000 square kilometers and has a maximum depth of around 20 meters. Chilika Lake is a vital source of water for irrigation, drinking water supply, and fisheries in the region.

Key Facts

  • Location: Chilika Lake is located in Odisha, India.
  • Area: The lake covers approximately 1,000 square kilometers.
  • Depth: The maximum depth of the lake is around 20 meters.
  • Surface Area: The surface area of the lake is about 240 km².
  • Elevation: The elevation of the lake is around 60 meters above sea level.

Historical Context

Chilika Lake has been an integral part of human civilization for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests that humans inhabited the region around the lake as far back as the Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1300 BCE). The lake was also a major center of trade and commerce during the ancient Indian kingdoms.

Significant Contributions

  • Fisheries: Chilika Lake is an important source of freshwater fish, with over 100 species of fish found in its waters.
  • Agriculture: The lake provides irrigation water for several hundred acres of land, supporting agriculture in the surrounding region.
  • Hydropower: The lake has the potential to generate significant hydroelectric power, which would provide a reliable source of energy.

Notable Attractions

  • Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary: A protected area that is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and elephants.
  • Tiger Reserve Chilika: A tiger reserve that is one of the largest in India, with a population of around 100 tigers.
  • Sundarayan River: The lake's main tributary river, which flows through the sanctuary and supports aquatic life.

References

  • National Hydrology Centre, Department of Water Resources
  • Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change
  • Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)

Metadata:

  • Model: llama-3.2-1b-instruct
  • Generation time: 2024-11-02 08:45:58
  • Keywords: Chilika Lake, Odisha, wiki, history, attractions, facts
  • URL: https://worldbestplaces.com/places/chilika_lake_odisha