Home / Environment / Chilika Lake Breaches: 2,400 Acres of Illegal Prawn Farms Evicted
Chilika Lake Breaches: 2,400 Acres of Illegal Prawn Farms Evicted
1 Jun
Summary
- Over 2,400 acres of illegal prawn farms were cleared in Chilika.
- A joint operation involved revenue, police, and environmental authorities.
- Environmentalists cite damage to fish breeding and the ecosystem.
In a significant environmental enforcement action, authorities have successfully evicted around 2,400 acres of illegal prawn enclosures from Chilika Lake. The special drive, conducted over two days near Balugaon, saw revenue, police, and Chilika Development Authority personnel working collaboratively.
During the operation, 35 kg of fishing nets and bamboos were seized. Officials reported no untoward incidents, noting that many enclosures were abandoned by their owners during the eviction process. Investigations are now underway to identify those responsible for re-establishing these illegal structures.
Environmental activists and local fishermen have long called for the removal of encroachments, emphasizing that illegal prawn culture significantly damages fish breeding grounds and the overall ecosystem of Asia's largest brackish water lagoon. These activities are also reported to negatively impact the fish production, threatening the livelihoods of the local fishing communities.
This recent eviction follows similar drives last year, indicating a recurring problem with individuals reinstalling illegal prawn farms after previous removals. Authorities have vowed to take strong action against those found guilty of these violations, aiming to protect the fragile environment of Chilika Lake.
