The Orissa High Court has directed Puri district collector to deploy Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel for the safety of leaseholder fishermen in Chilika lake. Justice Sanju Panda has ordered Puri collector to take appropriate measures for deployment of CRPF men while dealing with a case pertaining to establishment of illegal prawn gheris in Chilika. Justice Panda also appointed advocate Sukanta Kumar Dalai as amicus curiae for the case and posted the next hearing to May 9. Jalandhar Jaysingh, on behalf of Maa Mangala Primary Fishery Cooperative Society, had moved the HC alleging illegal prawn farming in Chilika. The petitioner had alleged the livelihood of many fishermen, who have been granted fishing leases in Chilka, have been affected by illegal prawn farming. He had informed the court that some prawn mafia have been creating terror in the lake. Petitioner also alleged that the district administration has failed to comply with the Supreme Court directions, issued to protect leaseholder fishermen. He had urged the HC to take steps for the demolition of prawn gheris in the brackish waters of the lagoon. Notably, the state government had formulated a special policy to promote traditional fishing activities and modern fish farming in Chilika simultaneously. The state government had decided to allocate 27,000 acre for traditional fishing activities. On the other hand, it had earmarked 20,000 acre for allotment among interested parties on lease basis for fish farming.
2015. Orissapost