Odisha bans fishing in Hirakud reservoir

Sambalpur: The authorities imposed prohibition on fishing in Hirakud reservoir from yesterday in view of the fish breeding season.

The restriction will remain effective till August 31, informed state Fisheries deputy director Pabitra Behera.

Around 44 breeds of fish are in Hirakud. A squad has been formed comprising police, fishery cooperative members and fisheries officials to ensure enforcement of ban, the official said.

With the ban order, there will be no fishing at the dam during the fish breeding season.

However, the two-month prohibition on fishing from June 15 till August 15 caused anxiety among around 4,000 registered fishermen, who are depending on fishing as the source of income.

The fishing ban that is imposed every year during the breeding season of fish affects the both the registered and unregistered fishermen economically in Sambalpur, Bargarh and Jharsuguda districts.

The affected fishermen have been seeking support from the state government during the ban period, but their requests have never been heard so far.

According to reports, a proposal was made in this regard by Sambalpur district administration to the state fisheries department for financial assistance to the fishermen during this two-month fishing ban period. However, the state government is yet to take any decision for the fishermen.