Anshupa Lake

Ansupa Lake (also spelled Anshupa Lake) (“ଅଂଶୁପା” (Anshupā)) is a freshwater oxbow lake located on the left bank of the Mahanadi River near the town of Banki in Cuttack district, in the Indian state of Odisha. It is the largest freshwater lake in Odisha and one of the Ramsar wetlands of international importance in India. The lake is noted for its distinctive horseshoe shape, scenic surroundings, and rich biodiversity within the foothills of the Eastern Ghats.

Anshupa Lake
Anshupa lake
Anshupa Lake
Location	Banki, Cuttack, Odisha
Coordinates	20.4591°N 85.6037°E / 20.4591; 85.6037
Type	Freshwater Lake
Primary inflows	Kabula Nala, Huluhula Nala
Primary outflows	Mugger Nala
Basin countries	India
Max. length	5 km (3.1 mi)
Max. width	1.6 km (0.99 mi)
Surface area	231 ha (570 acres)
Surface elevation	40 m (130 ft)
Settlements	Cuttack
Ramsar Wetland
Official name	Ansupa Lake
Designated	12 October 2021
Reference no.	2487[1]

Geography

Ansupa Lake lies about 40 km west of Cuttack and 50 km from Bhubaneswar. It is situated between 20°27′36″N 85°36′11″E latitude and longitude. Formed from an abandoned meander of the Mahanadi River, the lake represents a classic example of an **oxbow lake**. The total water spread area is approximately 231 hectares (2.31 km²), varying seasonally with inflow and evaporation. It is bounded by the Saranda Hill on the west and Bishnupur Hill on the northeast. Two small streams, the Kabula Nala and Huluhula Nala, feed the lake, while Mugger Nala serves as an outlet to the Mahanadi during high water.

Etymology

The name Ansupa (Odia: ଅଂଶୁପା) is believed to originate from the Odia word aṅśa, meaning “curve” or “arc,” referring to the lake’s horseshoe-shaped outline.

Hydrology and Ecology

The lake functions as a natural floodplain wetland of the Mahanadi basin. It receives water primarily from monsoon runoff and local hill streams, and occasionally from river backflow during floods. The aquatic vegetation includes Eichhornia crassipes, Nymphaea nouchali, Hydrilla verticillata, and Ipomoea aquatica. Sedimentation, weed proliferation, and reduced channel connectivity have been long-standing ecological challenges.

Biodiversity

According to the Ramsar Sites Information Service (2021), Ansupa Lake supports:

• 244 species of aquatic macrophytes
• 61 species of fish
• 194 species of birds, including migratory waterfowl
• 88 species of butterflies
• 26 species of mammals

The lake serves as a winter refuge for migratory birds such as pintails, teals, storks, and herons. Notable threatened species include the Indian skimmer (Rynchops albicollis), black-bellied tern (Sterna acuticauda), and painted stork (Mycteria leucocephala).

Conservation

Ansupa Lake was declared a Community Reserve in 2003 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. It was designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance on 12 October 2021 (Site No. 2487). The site is managed by the Chilika Development Authority (CDA) and the Odisha Forest and Environment Department under an Integrated Management Plan (2019–2024), focusing on:

• Restoration of inflow/outflow channels
• Silt and weed removal
• Afforestation and soil-erosion control
• Biodiversity monitoring
• Promotion of eco-tourism and community participation

Surrounding Villages

Ansupa Lake, located in the Banki subdivision of Cuttack district, is surrounded by several rural settlements whose livelihoods, culture, and environment are closely linked with the lake’s ecosystem. The main villages around the lake include Kadalibadi, Bishnupur, Subarnapur, Gholapur, Ostia, Anandapur, Ghadabar, Govindpur, Kalupadag, Nuapatna, and Saranda, along with smaller hamlets spread across the Saranda and Bishnupur hills. Among them, Kadalibadi and Subarnapur mouzas form part of the official Ramsar wetland boundary, contributing both agricultural land and catchment area to the lake. Bishnupur lies between the Saranda and Bishnupur hills, forming a natural corridor through which small streams like Kabula Nala and Huluhula Nala flow into the lake, while Gholapur, located near the southern edge of the catchment, plays a vital role in sediment inflow regulation. Most of these villages rely on paddy and vegetable cultivation, inland fisheries, and livestock rearing. In recent years, eco-tourism initiatives such as the Ansupa Nature Camp have engaged local residents in boating and hospitality services. Together, these settlements host an estimated 20,000–25,000 residents whose livelihoods depend on the lake’s health. Seasonal flooding, siltation, and weed growth influence both agricultural productivity and water quality, while conservation measures—such as channel dredging and reforestation—create sustainable livelihood opportunities. The Integrated Management Plan (2019–2024) identifies these villages as key stakeholders in watershed management, emphasizing soil-erosion control, afforestation, and community-based tourism. Collectively, Kadalibadi, Bishnupur, Subarnapur, Gholapur, and their neighboring villages form the cultural and ecological landscape surrounding Ansupa Lake, where traditional agriculture, biodiversity, and modern conservation efforts coexist in the heart of rural Odisha.

Tourism

Ansupa Lake is promoted by the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation as a major eco-tourism site and is often referred to as “Odisha’s second Chilika.” Facilities include paddle and mechanized boat rides, bird-watching towers, a nature camp, and a watchtower on the Saranda Hill offering panoramic views of the lake and the Mahanadi valley. The best time to visit is from October to March when migratory birds flock to the lake. Accommodation is available through eco-cottages and bamboo huts maintained by local community groups.

Cultural Significance

The lake region holds cultural importance for surrounding villages, featuring local fairs, folk songs, and references in Odia literature as a symbol of harmony between people and nature. Nearby **Saranda Fort**, located on the adjacent hill, contains remnants of ancient structures and attracts visitors interested in history and archaeology.

Threats

Ansupa Lake faces multiple pressures including sedimentation, weed infestation, agricultural runoff, reduced connectivity with the Mahanadi, and unregulated fishing. Encroachment and deforestation in the catchment area exacerbate these problems. Government and community initiatives aim to address these threats through hydrological restoration, afforestation, and sustainable livelihood programs.

Administration

• Country: India
• State: Odisha
• District: Cuttack
• Block: Banki
• Coordinates: 20°27′36″ N 85°36′11″ E
• Area: ~231 ha
• Managing body: Chilika Development Authority (CDA)