Fishermen Hold Mass Assembly Against Illegal Prawn Gheris In Chilika

Khurda: More than 100 fishermen held a mass assembly (Maschajibi Meli) near Nairi village in Chilika tehsil of Khurda district on Friday, demanding removal of illegal prawn enclosures (gheris) in Chilika Lake.

The agitators, hailing from Khurda, Ganjam and Puri districts, with more than 500 boats gathered near Chilika Lake and later decided to enter the Nalabana bird sanctuary area inside the lake to protest against illegal gheris.

“Illegal gheris have robbed traditional fishermen of their livelihood as these affects fish production. Despite repeated requests to the Khurda district administration to demolish the mushrooming illegal gheris, no steps have so far been taken so far,” an agitator said.

On being informed, police and forest officials rushed to the spot and warned the fishermen of strict action, if they entered the restricted areas of the bird sanctuary.