Puri: The Puri district administration on Tuesday imposed a 10-day fishing ban in the Bay of Bengal off the Puri coast in view of the upcoming Navy Day celebrations. The ban will remain in effect from November 26 to December 5.
Puri marine fishery officer Ramesh Raul said that at present only 5 per cent of the fishermen are out at sea and they have been instructed to return by Tuesday evening. Other fishermen are being instructed not to venture into sea until December 5.
According to officials, 24 warships, 40 aircraft, helicopters and fighter jets will demonstrate Indian Navy’s maritime capabilities at the Blue Flag beach in Puri on December 4. President Droupadi Murmu, who is the Supreme Commander of Indian Armed Forces, will be the chief guest on the occasion.
Local fishermen are, however, upset over the ten-day ban imposed on fishing saying it would severely impact their livelihood. Puri District Fishermen Union president Babula Prasad said that the sea beach is home to over 50,000 fishermen who depend entirely on sea fishing. The association submitted a memorandum with the district collector in this regard.
