Rajnagar (Kendrapara): Tension flared in the ecologically sensitive Bhitarkanika National Park area on Saturday after forest department personnel were allegedly assaulted while carrying out a court-mandated demolition drive against illegal shrimp enclosures (gheris).
According to official sources, the incident took place at Gopaljewpatana under the Rajnagar forest range when a team of forest staff, acting on orders of the High Court, was dismantling unauthorised shrimp farms erected along riverbanks and within protected zones. While the first enclosure was demolished successfully, a group of shrimp farm owners, financiers, and outsiders reportedly reached the spot and obstructed the operation.
When the forest personnel continued the demolition, the group allegedly surrounded them and launched a violent attack. Forest department employee Arjun Dalei sustained serious injuries after being assaulted with sticks and other weapons. Other staff members were also manhandled during the incident.
The injured personnel were part of an ongoing enforcement drive against illegal aquaculture structures that authorities say are causing severe ecological damage to the mangrove ecosystem of Bhitarkanika.
Forest officials stated that the demolition drive was being conducted in compliance with court directives, citing violations of multiple environmental laws, including Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms and eco-sensitive zone provisions. As per CRZ regulations, shrimp enclosures are prohibited within 500 metres of tidal water bodies, while the mangrove-rich areas surrounding Bhitarkanika are categorised as highly sensitive biodiversity zones.
The crackdown has intensified in recent days. On March 20, forest teams demolished 20 enclosures belonging to 12 individuals, followed by the removal of 21 enclosures owned by 11 persons on March 24. Resistance was also reported on March 25 at Pataparia village, where locals, including women and shrimp farm operators, opposed the eviction drive.
Following Saturday’s attack, forest employee Arjun Dalei, Forest Guard Satish Lakra, and Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Manas Kumar Das lodged a written complaint at the Talachua Marine Police Station.
Confirming the development, IIC Sandhyarani Jena said a case (No. 61/2026) has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to assault and unlawful assembly, along with provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The incident has sparked concern among environmentalists and officials, who warn that unchecked illegal shrimp farming poses a serious threat to the fragile biodiversity of Bhitarkanika National Park, one of India’s most important mangrove ecosystems.
