Bhubaneswar: The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Limited has launched an ambitious project for development of Chilika Lake.

In its attempt to get Unesco heritage status for the Asia's largest brackish water lake, the ONGC is organising a symposium and photo-exhibition titled "The Mangalajodi Inheritance" in New Delhi on Saturday in association with the Bhubaneswar Bird Walks (TBBW).

Union minister for petroleum and natural gas Dharmendra Pradhan will inaugurate the event. The ONGC has also charted out a plan for systematic development of Mangalajodi village in Chilika through activities under the purview of their corporate social responsibility.

The objective of this symposium by the ONGC and the TBBW is to bring together experts and enthusiasts from the fields of conservation, eco-tourism, ornithology, diplomatic corps, media, NGOs and officials from various central ministries to chart out a future course of action for the preservation and development of this rich wetland heritage of Odisha.

The ONGC is also identifying local youths for providing them training on tourism and travel management by the Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology in Bhubaneswar.

The ONGC has installed 200 solar street lights at Mangalajodi village through a third party agency. It has also provided boats to the villagers of Mangalajodi for creating sustainable livelihood. The ONGC plans to set up a health care centre in the area. It will also set up a community hall and to provide infrastructure support, such as smart classroom, to the schools. It also plans to connect the villagers with Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana for LPG connections.