Forest
The drawing talks about the relationship between the people from Berhampur Island and the forest on Rajhans Island for multiple purposes. The people of Behrampur Island depend on Rajan's Island for various purposes, primarily related to their livelihood. Men from Berhampur Island travel to Rajan's Island to work as lumberjacks or find employment under the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC). Women make occasional trips to the island, typically once or twice a week, to collect firewood. They rely on the Jhau tree, an abundant resource on the island. Women gather its dried needle-like leaves and cut branches, which are used for cooking on the chulha.
The conditions in Chilika Lake are favourable for Jhau trees due to the island being surrounded by the brackish water from the lake and sea water, these conditions have allowed the people to grow these trees without having to worry about the soil’s quality. Along with the Jhau tree, there is a variety of vegetation found around the island, which includes trees like cashew, cactus, coconut, palm, morinda [noni], mango, and various types of berries, scattered around different parts of the island.
Rajhans Island also has a Holiday stay which is run by the OTDC [Odisha Tourism Development Corporation] which promotes tourism within Chilika Lake. Along with tourism comes the issue of pollution. Littering is seen in many different parts of the island and numerous pits are dug throughout in which people dispose of non-biodegradable wastes such as glass, plastics, etc. As much as tourism has improved the livelihood of the villages and increased job opportunities, it has also introduced the problem of waste management and pollution.
The 2019 Cyclone Fani had a huge impact on the Chilika Lake as it destroyed lots of infrastructure and also affected the forests. Many of these defoliated trees are scattered across the island, severely impacting the natural environment. In the aftermath, the government undertook salvage operations to clear the debris. These trees were either used by the villagers or were transported off the island to Puri and Bhubaneswar to be utilized as firewood for the temple rituals and also used for cremation. The aftermath of the cyclone resulted in a decreased density of trees on the island.
During the time of the cyclone, a Malaysian Cargo
Rajhans Island also has a Holiday stay which is run by the OTDC [Odisha Tourism Development Corporation] which promotes tourism within Chilika Lake. Along with tourism comes the issue of pollution. Littering is seen in many different parts of the island and numerous pits are dug throughout in which people dispose of non-biodegradable wastes such as glass, plastics, etc. As much as tourism has improved the livelihood of the villages and increased job opportunities, it has also introduced the problem of waste management and pollution.
The 2019 Cyclone Fani had a huge impact on the Chilika Lake as it destroyed lots of infrastructure and also affected the forests. Many of these defoliated trees are scattered across the island, severely impacting the natural environment. In the aftermath, the government undertook salvage operations to clear the debris. These trees were either used by the villagers or were transported off the island to Puri and Bhubaneswar to be utilized as firewood for the temple rituals and also used for cremation. The aftermath of the cyclone resulted in a decreased density of trees on the island.
During the time of the cyclone, a Malaysian Cargo
ship was deserted at the coast of Chilika Lake due to a technical issue which resulted in it being abandoned, the resources from the ship such as oil were transported within days after the wreck as there were chances of an oil spill which could have resulted in a disastrous end to the lake’s marine/aquatic lifeforms. A part of the shipwreck along with the equipment used to scavenge it are left behind and can still be seen laying along the island’s coast.
The government has also established turtle incubation and a nesting ground along the coastline near Chilika Lake. When the officials find turtle eggs along the shore, they relocate them to these designated nesting areas. The eggs are then buried in the sand at a depth similar to that of a natural turtle nest, usually around 12 to 18 inches deep. The sand acts as a natural incubator, maintaining a stable temperature and protecting the eggs from predators and environmental disturbances.
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