Bhubaneswar: In a coordinated operation on Friday, authorities from Bhitarkanika National Park, the Revenue Department, and local police demolished unauthorised prawn dykes encroaching on the park’s fringes in Kendrapara district.
The action targeted violations of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms, as confirmed by Assistant Conservator of Forests, Manas Das.The drive successfully reclaimed several acres of government land previously occupied illegally by prawn farmers. These earthen embankments, known locally as gheris, had extended into prohibited CRZ areas, disrupting the sensitive coastal ecosystem.
The demolition targeted forest-adjacent patches along the national park’s boundary and was carried out under armed police supervision. Officials reported that the entire exercise proceeded peacefully, with no incidents or resistance reported.
To prevent re-encroachment, the reclaimed areas will now support a mangrove regeneration programme. Mangrove plantation is scheduled to commence within a week. These zones are ideal for restoration due to consistent tidal water inflow, which aids natural mangrove growth.
A dedicated task force of senior forest protection officials has been formed to oversee such efforts. Concurrently, awareness campaigns are educating nearby villagers about mangroves’ vital role as a proven natural shield against tidal surges, cyclones, and coastal erosion. Increasing community recognition of this ecological benefit is helping foster long-term protection of the area.
