Odisha Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati, accompanied by First Lady Dr Jayashree Kambhampati, visited the Mangalajodi wetland eco-tourism site in Khordha district on Thursday and appreciated the community-managed eco-tourism and conservation model implemented in the area.
Upon arrival at Mangalajodi, the Governor was received by Khordha District Collector Amrit Ruturaj along with senior district officials.
Located on the banks of the Chilika Lake, the Mangalajodi eco-tourism site is renowned for its scenic natural beauty and rich biodiversity. The vast wetland serves as a major habitat for thousands of migratory birds that travel from different parts of the world every year, making it one of Odisha’s most prominent birdwatching destinations.
During the visit, the Governor took a boat ride through the wetland to observe migratory birds and gain first-hand experience of the community-led eco-tourism activities. He also interacted with local residents and members of community groups actively involved in conservation and eco-tourism initiatives, seeking details about the measures taken to protect the wetland ecosystem.
The Governor commended the collective efforts of villagers in conserving biodiversity while simultaneously creating sustainable livelihood opportunities through eco-tourism. Sharing his experience, he said the tranquil beauty of Mangalajodi and the sight of migratory birds in their natural habitat were truly inspiring.
He further noted that Mangalajodi stands as a shining example of how community participation can successfully protect nature while improving the social and economic conditions of local communities. Emphasising the need to replicate such models, the Governor called for the adoption of similar community-managed conservation initiatives in other environmentally significant areas of the state.
