Sonepur: Influential people of the non-fishermen community reportedly carry out blasts with dynamites and pesticides in the Mahanadi to catch fish. Under the impact of blasts, thousands of fish die which makes it easy for the people to collect fish. The fish is then sold in the markets.
This way of catching fish has adversely affected fish population in the river. Use of pesticide and explosives also contaminates the water, endangering aquatic life. Livelihood of thousands of traditional fishermen is affected due to the dwindling fish catch.
Traditional fishermen living in the Mahanadi region have strongly objected to this method of fishing.
They united under the banner of the Mahanadi Surakhya Manch and met the SP Sunday and apprised him of the matter.
As fish catch is on the decline, boats and fishing nets of traditional fishermen have become redundant, they lamented.
Over 150 fishermen of Tikiripada, Talpada, Tariapada and Sadakpada have lost their livelihood. Upset over this, they held a meeting at Lankeswar and opposed this unconventional and non-sustainable method of fishing in Mahanadi.
A delegation of Mahanadi Surakhya Manch comprising Rushabh Budek, Ganga Taria, Shyam Satpathy, Budha Nayak, Surubabu Sahu, Baisakhu Badhei, Babulu Dansena, Kunmun Mahalik and Belalsen Nayak met SP Debi Prasad Das and submitted a memorandum to him Sunday.
They urged the SP to take immediate steps to stop the illegal way of fishing.
The SP has assured the fishermen that police patrolling will be conducted along the river banks and action will be taken against the accused.
PNN