| Anshupa Lake | |
|---|---|
 Anshupa lake | |
  Anshupa Lake | |
| Location | Banki, Cuttack, Odisha |
| Coordinates | 20°27′33″N85°36′13″E / 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 |
| Official name | Ansupa Lake |
| Designated | 12 October 2021 |
| Reference no. | 2487[1] |
Ansupa Lake (also spelledAnshupa Lake) (“ଅଂଶୁପା” (Anshupā)) is a freshwater oxbow lake located on the left bank of theMahanadi River near the town ofBanki inCuttack district, in the Indian state ofOdisha. It is the largest freshwater lake in Odisha and one of theRamsar wetlands of international importance in India. The lake is noted for its distinctive horseshoe shape, scenic surroundings, and rich biodiversity within the foothills of theEastern Ghats.
Ansupa Lake lies about 40 km west ofCuttack and 50 km fromBhubaneswar. It is situated between20°27′36″N85°36′11″E / 20.46000°N 85.60306°E /20.46000; 85.60306 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, theKabula Nala andHuluhula Nala, feed the lake, whileMugger Nala serves as an outlet to the Mahanadi during high water.
The nameAnsupa (Odia: ଅଂଶୁପା) is believed to originate from the Odia wordaṅśa, meaning “curve” or “arc,” referring to the lake’s horseshoe-shaped outline.
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 includesEichhornia crassipes,Nymphaea nouchali,Hydrilla verticillata, andIpomoea aquatica. Sedimentation, weed proliferation, and reduced channel connectivity have been long-standing ecological challenges.
According to theRamsar Sites Information Service (2021), Ansupa Lake supports:
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).
Ansupa Lake was declared aCommunity Reserve in 2003 under theWildlife Protection Act, 1972. It was designated aRamsar Wetland of International Importance on 12 October 2021 (Site No. 2487). The site is managed by theChilika Development Authority (CDA) and theOdisha Forest and Environment Department under an Integrated Management Plan (2019–2024), focusing on:
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 includeKadalibadi,Bishnupur,Subarnapur,Gholapur,Ostia,Anandapur,Ghadabar,Govindpur,Kalupadag,Nuapatna, andSaranda, 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.
Ansupa Lake is promoted by theOdisha 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.
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.
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.
