Demolition Of Illegal Prawn Gheris In Chilika Lake To Cost Rs 30 Crore, Govt Tells Orissa HC

Cuttack: The state government has informed the Orissa High Court that demolition of illegal prawn gheris in Chilika lake under Puri district will entail an expenditure of Rs 30 crore.

Puri district collector stated this in the affidavit submitted to the High Court on Monday regarding the hearing on protection of wetland in Bhitarkanika in Kendrapada district and Chilika lake in Puri. He also mentioned that keeping an aerial watch on these areas through drones will cost Rs 48,000 everyday.

Earlier, the High Court had directed the Revenue Department to prepare a master plan regarding the conditions for distribution of land for pisciculture in the area. Phase-wise discussions are going on with Chilika Development Authority, local fish farmers and others in this regard, the government submitted in the affidavit.

The government filed the affidavit in response to the order of the High Court on finding a solution to the dispute between fishermen and non-fishermen in the area, said amicus curae Mohit Aggarwal. The government will inform the court on how the lease out the area in the lake after discussion with all stakeholders by August 3, he added.