Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahtab has demanded in the Lok Sabha that the Union Government include the Ansupa Lake in the Ramsar Convention. Mahtab said the Ansupa Lake, the sweet water lake on the Mahanadi riverbank in Banki subdivision, spreads over 5,000 hectares of land. Recently, the lake has been cleared of weeds with financial support of Rs 2.3 crore from the World Bank. This lake attracts thousands of migratory birds throughout the year, especially in winter. Fish cultivation in the lake enhances the income of the fishermen in over four gram panchayats around it.
“The State Government is now maintaining the lake. If it is included in Ramsar convention, the lake will draw the attention of international organisations and thereby can get a special tourism spot status. Like the Chilika Lake, the Ansupa will also generate funds. The unique wetland site needs to be a part of progress and development in tourism sector,” said Mahtab.