Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan met Shigeru Aoyagi, Country Head of UNESCO here today. UNESCO in association with ONGC is planning to support development of Chilika Lake as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. ONGC in partnership with UNESCO has developed long term and short term plans for conservation of Chilika Lake; protection of the animals and birds; improving livelihood of fishing community; tourist guides and local population; direct income generation and welfare activities at Mangalajodi, etc.Pradhan stressed upon a holistic view on conservation and protection of Chilika Lake and the ecosystem associated with it. He said that special focus should be given to improvement of livelihood of people associated with the Lake. He advised ONGC to associate local partners in implementation of the various projects.The Minister assured that he will seek support of Government of Odisha, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change & Ministry of Culture in the context of nomination and selection of Chilika Lake as UNESCO World Heritage Site.