Stalled Services: Chilika Boat Operators Threaten Strike From August 16

Chilika: Boat operators have threatened to go on a hunger strike from August 16, over their demand to resume services in Chilika Lake.

The Khurda district administration had stopped boat services, citing fitness and licence-related issues, after six persons died when a boat capsized in the lake.

In a press conference on Friday, the boat operators under the aegis of three associations, including Maa Kalijai Motor Boat Owners’ Association (Barkul) and Kalijai Motor Boat Association (Balugaon), said though two months have passed since the incident, the administration is yet to give permission to resume the services.

“The collectors of Puri and Ganjam have already given permission for running boats in their respective districts. Unfortunatelly, we are being deprived of the same. As a result, more than 3, 000 persons, whose livelihood depends on it, continue to suffer,” a member of one of the associations said.