EAC Flags Concerns Over 7 km Chilika Lake Bridge, Seeks Cost-Benefit Analysis from NHAI

EAC Flags Concerns Over 7 km Chilika Lake Bridge, Seeks Cost-Benefit Analysis from NHAI

The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has raised environmental concerns over the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI)’s proposed 7.740 km bridge across Chilika Lake, costing approximately ₹526.08 crore. The committee has requested a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) to assess the project’s environmental impact.

A five-member EAC panel conducted a site inspection at Chilika’s brackish water lagoon. During its December 2023 meeting, the EAC noted that 3.4 km of the bridge falls within the draft eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of Nalabana Wildlife Sanctuary. It has sought clarification from NHAI on the necessity of the project and recommended a detailed comparison of the bridge’s impact against the existing boat-based connectivity.

The recommendation came after Chilika Development Authority’s CEO and the Puri Collector informed the committee that local fishing boats, vital for tourism and livelihood, also pose environmental risks. Acting on these concerns, a five-member sub-committee led by Manmohan Singh Negi inspected key locations, including Satpada and the ESZ of Nalabana sanctuary, on February 8.

The bridge will span 7.740 km, with 3.340 km consisting of bridge structures. The project requires acquiring 34 hectares of land, including 12.75 hectares of forest land within Chilika. The bridge will pass approximately 8 km from Nalabana Wildlife Sanctuary, with 3.4 km falling inside the draft 10 km ESZ boundary. It will also pass through Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)-I (B).

A final decision on granting the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the project will be made based on the sub-committee’s report. The NHAI proposes that the bridge will improve connectivity, reducing travel distance between Janhikuda and Satpada to 5.5 km from the current 238 km route via NH-16, NH-316A, and NH-516A. It also claims that the project will cut travel distance between Brahmapur and Puri by 135 km.