The Centre has provided a total of Rs 4.7 crore to Odisha during last two years for conservation of the Chilika and Ansupa lakes, informed Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday.
The funds have been released under National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems for nurturing Chilika and Ansupa.
Pradhan extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and Union Forest & Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar for taking the initiative.
The revival of Ansupa lake, which was a wasteland three years ago, has brought much cheer to all and provides further encouragement for conservation and protection of wetlands, he said.
Stating that Chilika and Ansupa are a paradise for nature connoisseurs with immense potential for ecological tourism, Pradhan said, “We are committed to conserve and protect these ‘Jewels of Odisha’ for a sustainable future.”
