Union minister Parshottam Rupala, Sambit Patra stuck in Odisha's Chilika Lake for 2 hours as boat loses its way

NEW DELHI: A boat carrying Union minister Parshottam Rupala got stuck in Odisha's Chilika Lake for approximately two hours on Sunday evening. Initially, it was believed that the boat had become entangled in a fishing net, but the Union minister later clarified that they had simply lost their way in the blue lagoon.

The administration promptly deployed another vessel to rescue the Union minister for fisheries, animal husbandry & dairying and transport him to his intended destination. During the incident, Rupala was accompanied by BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra and a few local party leaders, who were also stranded on the boat.

The incident occurred while the minister was en route from Barkul in Khurda district to Satapada in Puri district through the blue lagoon. The motorised boat became stuck for approximately two hours near the Nalabana bird sanctuary, according to a security official assigned to the minister's convoy.

"As darkness fell, the boat's helmsman, who was unfamiliar with the route, lost their way. It took an additional two hours to reach Satapada," the minister later informed reporters.

The administration swiftly dispatched another vessel from Satapada, allowing the minister and his entourage to board and reach their destination. However, due to the incident, Rupala's scheduled appearance near Krushnaprasad area in Puri district was cancelled at the last minute. Rupala eventually arrived in Puri around 10.30 pm, according to an official.

The Union minister is currently visiting Odisha as part of the 11th phase of the 'Sagar Parikrama' program, where he will engage with local fishermen. Earlier in the day, he inaugurated the program at Gopalpur harbour in Ganjam district. On Monday, Rupala, along with Ports, Shipping & Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, will lay the foundation for a project to modernize and upgrade the Paradip fishing harbor.