24 fishermen held for fishing in prohibited area of Chilika Lake

Balugaon: 24 fishermen have been arrested by Chilika Wildlife Division for illegal fishing in restricted area of Nalabana Bird Sanctuary in Chilika Lake in a joint enforcement drive.

As per the local Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Balugaon , as they were patrolling the area in forest section of Parikud of Balugaon Wildlife Range, forest staff along with range officers noticed some boats to be fishing within restricted area of Nalabana Bird Sanctuary.

It was surprise raided by authorities which revealed to be a nexus engaged for unlawful practice.

During search, the officials confiscated 3 boats, 3 engines along with nets and catch of the fishes.

Later all the 24 arrested were forwarded to the court.

Among the arrested fishermen 11 of them hailed from Chandraput village under Balugaon police station, while others 13 belong to Balipratappur village in Bhushandpur area under Tangi police station.

The DFO of Balugaon, Amlan Nayak stated that 3 cases under Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 have been registered against all the accused who have been produced before the court for further action.