Bhubaneswar: The renovated interpretation centre at Mangalajodi will be thrown open to the public by the end of November.

Alongside, the watchtower will also be renovated for a better viewing experience at the site, a hotspot for migratory birds at the Chilika lake.

The Chilika Development Authority is carrying out the renovation of the centre - Bihanga Bhavan - for an estimated Rs 10 lakh. It will have maps and charts depicting the migration pattern of birds, their ecology and congregation sites. "Tourists will come to know about the migratory birds in detail. The centre will also have toilets and drinking water facilities for tourists and help in creating awareness among them," said the authority's additional chief executive Sasmita Lenka.

The renovation of the watchtower will cost an estimated Rs 23.50 lakh. The Chilika receives migratory birds from a wide range of breeding grounds extending from north, central and east Siberia, China and Mongolia, to west Asian countries such as Kazakhstan. More than 9.47 lakh birds of 176 species had thronged the lake last year.

Wildlife research organisation Bombay Natural History Society has described Manglajodi as an ideal congregation ground for migratory species. It conducted a research on migratory birds between 2001-02 and 2014-15 and held increased fishing and movement of mechanised boats at the site as a major hindrance in feeding and breeding habits of the birds.

Authority officials, however, hope for an increase in the number of birds this winter. "For the past few months, we have undertaken a massive drive to evict encroachments on the lake. We have removed gherries (dykes) and it will allow free movement of fishes, which the birds feed on," said Lenka.

The forest department has also decided to patrol various areas. "Mechanised boats will not to be allowed to ferry tourists to the congregation sites. Our teams will prevent poaching of the birds," said a forest official.