Odisha: Prawn farms razed in Bhitarkanika

KENDRAPADA: Officials on Friday launched a massive demolition drive against illegal prawn farms at Bhitarkanika National Park in the district as per the order of the Orissa high court. The high court, in its order dated May 31, had directed the district administration to dismantle all illegal prawn gheries in Bhitarkanika after Mohit Agarwal, the amicus curiae, pointed out that despite a series of statutory provisions, the brazen violation by those operating illegal prawn gheries is continuing and that no case or complaint has been registered against the violators.

The court also directed the Kendrapada collector to arrange for satellite verification of the entire area for detection and control of proliferation of prawn gheries.

“We have started demolition of prawn gheries over forest and government land in Dibakarpur village. All shrimp farms are illegal as they violate the coastal regulation zone and the rulings of the Supreme Court and high court,” said Niranjan Behera, the sub-collector of Kendrapada.

Get real-time updates on Budget 2025 and Income Tax Slabs on Times of India. Check out the latest income tax slabs FY 2025-26.