Puri: With the blessings of Lord Shri Gannath, Odisha is rich in resources and beauty. It is famous not only for pilgrims, but also for exotic birds. More than one million species of exotic birds of different species visit Chile’s largest Kharipani lake in Chile every year. This was stated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik while inaugurating the third National Chilean Bird Festival today. Inaugurating the festival through a video message in the conference room of the Lok Sabha Bhavan, the Chief Minister said, “May the Chilean Bird Festival be a success.” This is a unique initiative of the Odisha Department of Tourism and Ecotourism. Tourists will be able to enjoy the state’s Satkoshia Gand, Viratkanika National Park, Chandaka-Dampada Sanctuary and other attractions. Joining the ceremony as the guest of honor, Minister for Forests and Environment Vikram Keshari Arukh said Chile has a special place among the wetlands around the world. Lake Chilika is the soul of Odisha tourism. Chile has a reputation as the largest sanctuary for exotic birds on the Asian continent. Minister Arukh said he was giving a wide range of information and valuable advice on bird conservation to the exotic birds coming to Chile. Despite the Kovidh cut, it is important for 55 bird lovers from across the state and beyond to register to enjoy the festival, said Chief Secretary Suresh Kumar Mohapatra. Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Forests and Environment, Drs. Mona Sharma, OTDC Chairperson, Mrs. Mishra attended the main event. A film on Chile was screened on the occasion. Sachin Ramchandra Yadav, deputy director of forestry and wildlife, Harish Upadhyay, head of the state forest and environment department, and tourism director of the tourism department, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote nature and environmental tourism. Tourism Department Chief Administrative Secretary Vishal Kumar Deb delivered the welcome address.
