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24 Fishermen Caught Red-Handed in Nalabana Sanctuary
24 Jul
Summary
- 24 fishermen arrested for illegal fishing in Nalabana wildlife sanctuary.
- Wildlife officials seized three mechanised boats and fishing equipment.
- The fishermen lacked authorization to enter the protected sanctuary area.
In an operation conducted on Friday, wildlife officials apprehended 24 fishermen for engaging in illegal fishing activities within the Nalabana wildlife sanctuary. The fishermen, originating from Balipatapur and Chandrapur villages, were found to be operating within the prohibited sanctuary area without authorization. This incident follows a similar enforcement action on May 25, when 11 fishermen were arrested for the same offense.
During the recent crackdown, authorities seized three mechanised boats, their engines, bamboo oars, approximately 23kg of fish, fishing nets, and thermocol boxes. Divisional Forest Officer Amlan Nayak confirmed the seizure, while Range Officer Rasmita Jena noted the fishermen's inability to produce any permits for entering the sanctuary. Investigations indicated the accused knowingly trespassed into the protected area for fishing, underscoring a persistent challenge in wildlife conservation efforts within the region.
