India, Feb. 11 -- An expert panel of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has ordered a cost-benefit analysis of a 7.74 km long bridge proposed to be built at a cost of Rs.526 crore over the eco-sensitive Chilika Lake.

The bridge is part of the Bharatmala project of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).

Chilika Lake is known for its endangered Irrawady Dolphins as well as millions of migratory birds that flock the brackish water lagoon every winter.

The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the ministry in its order last week said a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) needs to be done for a comparison of impact of construction of the bridge and that of existing boat movement in the lake.

The recommend...