Puri: A ban has been imposed on fishing in the sea in Puri district from Nov 26 to Dec 5 for Navy Day celebrations. Puri marine fishery officer Ramesh Raul said at present 5% of the fishermen are at sea. “They have been instructed to return by the evening of Nov 25. Other fishermen are being instructed not to go to sea until Dec 5. Fishermen are being informed through Sagar Mitras and loudspeaker announcements,” Raul said.
However, the ban has upset the fishing community, many of whom said it would severely impact their livelihood. Babula Prasad, president of the Puri District Fishermen Union, said the Puri sea beach is home to over 50,000 fishermen who depend entirely on sea fishing for sustenance.
He argued that imposing a district-wide ban for an event that will be focused on Puri city’s main beach is unreasonable. The fishermen demanded compensation for the 10-day ban and on Monday the association filed a written complaint with the district collector in this regard.
Collector Sidharth Sankar Swain said it is not possible to revoke the ban. “The order has been issued for their safety and cannot be revoked under any circumstances,” Swain said.
Besides ban on sea fishing, over 10,000 street vendors near Puri sea beach have also been instructed to vacate their shops by Nov 28 to ensure the area remains clean and accessible. Barricading and seating arrangements are underway at the Blue Flag beach. Public has been advised to stay away from the seashore during the event.
The Navy Day celebrations on Dec 4 will showcase the India’s naval strength and include 24 warships and 40 aircraft. President Droupadi Murmu will be the chief guest at the event.