Bhubaneswar: Ferry and tourist boat services in Chilika Lake have been suspended till October 29 in view of the approaching cyclone, the Puri district administration said on Sunday.
The administration has issued an advisory to ensure the safety of tourists and others visiting the lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon.
The order directs the police, block development officers (BDOs) and tehsildars concerned to strictly enforce the restrictions and take action against those found violating them.
Tourist boats operate from several jetties, including Barkul, Balugaon, Mangalajodi and Satapada. Ferry services also operate daily between Jhanikuda in Ganjam district and Satapada in Puri district.
More than 1,000 boats operate on the lake from various jetties. Chilika attracts tourists from across the country for its scenic beauty, birdwatching opportunities at Nalabana Wildlife Sanctuary, dolphin sightings and visits to the Kalijai Temple.
Meanwhile, the state government has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea for fishing as sea conditions are expected to remain very rough under the influence of the approaching cyclonic storm.
Fishermen already at sea have been asked to return to shore. The restrictions on fishing will also remain in force till October 29.
