Balugaon, July 24 (UDN): In a major enforcement action, the Chilika Wildlife Division arrested 24 fishermen for allegedly carrying out illegal fishing inside the prohibited Nalabana Bird Sanctuary area of Chilika Lake during a joint patrolling operation.
Forest officials also seized three fishing boats, three engines, fishing nets and the catch during the raid, officials said on Friday.
According to the Wildlife Division, the operation was conducted by forest personnel and range officials while patrolling the Parikud sector under the Balugaon Wildlife Range. During the patrol, officials spotted several boats engaged in fishing within the ecologically sensitive no-fishing zone of the bird sanctuary.
Acting swiftly, the enforcement team launched a surprise raid and intercepted the boats operating inside the restricted area.
Boats, Fishing Equipment Seized
During the operation, officials confiscated three mechanised boats, outboard engines, fishing nets and the fish caught from the sanctuary area. The fishermen were taken into custody and later produced before the court.
Of the 24 arrested, 11 are residents of Chandraput village under the Balugaon police station limits, while the remaining 13 belong to Balipratappur village under the Bhushandpur area of Tangi police station.
Cases Registered Under Wildlife Protection Act
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Balugaon, Amlan Nayak said three cases have been registered against the accused under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 for violating restrictions imposed within the protected sanctuary.
He said regular surveillance and enforcement drives will continue to curb illegal fishing and safeguard the fragile ecosystem of Chilika Lake.
Nalabana Bird Sanctuary, located within Chilika Lake, is a protected wetland of international importance and serves as a crucial habitat for thousands of migratory birds during the winter season. Fishing and other human activities are prohibited in designated areas to protect its rich biodiversity and maintain the ecological balance of the lagoon.
The Forest Department has appealed to local fishing communities to strictly adhere to conservation regulations and avoid entering protected zones to prevent legal action.