Bhubaneswar- A temporary ban on fishing activities will be enforced along Odisha’s coastline on July 17 and 18 due to missile tests scheduled by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The tests are set to take place from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Balasore district and Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Bhadrak district.
This restriction will affect marine fishing in the coastal districts of Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapada, and Jagatsinghpur.
The Fisheries Department has already begun an extensive awareness drive, advising marine fishermen to return to the coast, harbours, and jetties by July 16. Authorities are using loudspeakers in coastal villages to issue warnings against venturing into the sea during the missile launch period. “Fishing in the sea during missile testing is extremely unsafe. Those ignoring the warnings will face strict action,” said Bijay Kar, Assistant Fisheries Officer, Paradip.
This sudden restriction comes as a fresh blow to the fishing community, which recently resumed operations after the annual two-month fishing ban from April 15 to June 14 for the breeding season. Bad weather in recent weeks had further delayed fishing activities. As this period marks the peak fishing season, many fishermen are now concerned about the financial loss due to the two-day ban.
Several fishermen’s groups have urged the government to provide compensation for the loss of livelihood, especially as they are just recovering from previous disruptions.
