Bhubaneswar, Jan 14: “As a responsible corporate citizen, Nalco cares for the sustainability of Odisha’s rich biodiversity, including Chilika, and committed to promote the State’s art, culture and tourism,” said Tapan Kumar Chand, CMD of the company. He was addressing the concluding ceremony of the three-day long Chilika Mahotsav as Chief Guest, at Satapada, on Wednesday. On the occasion, Chand announced two ‘Nalco Nilambu Chilika Awards’, carrying a purse of Rs.1 lakh each, for NGOs, which will be given away in the next edition of the Mahotsav.
The three-day programme offered the tourists a unique blend of different water sports, handicraft and handloom exhibitions, sea food festival, cultural programme, martial art and sand art demonstrations.
Speaking on the occasion, Chand hailed the efforts of the Tourism Department of Odisha, Chilika Development Authority and District Administration, Puri for organizing such an excellent festival with a view to promote the cultural heritage, wetland management and maintenance of biodiversity. “Chilika, the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest lagoon in the world, represents rich natural biodiversity and is a favourite winter destination for more than 8 lakhs migratory birds of different species. Nalco, in its Corporate Calendar of 2016 showcases this aspect of Odisha, wherein Chilika has got a prominent place,” informed Chand. “If developed properly, Chilika could be a major tourist attraction in the country. Nalco is keen to support any endeavour in this regard,” he added.
While Odisha Tourism Minister Ashok Chandra Panda, inaugurated the concluding evening of the Mahotsav, Sanjay Das Burma, Minister of State (IC), Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare, Skill Development & Technical Education and Dibakar Patra, Chairman, District Council were notably present on the occasion.
