The authorities have imposed a ban on fishing in the Hirakud reservoir from Saturday in view of the ongoing fish breeding season. The restriction would remain effective till August 31, informed Fisheries Deputy Director Pabitra Behera.
Around 44 breeds of fish are found in the Hirakud reservoir. A squad has been formed comprising police, fishery cooperative members and fisheries officials to ensure enforcement of the ban, the official said.
However, the two-month prohibition on fishing from June 15 to August 15 has caused anxiety among around 4,000 registered fishermen, who depend on fishing as their livelihood. The ban that is imposed every year during the breeding season of fish affects both registered and unregistered fishermen economically in Sambalpur, Bargarh and Jharsuguda districts.
The affected fishermen have been seeking support from the Government during the ban period, but their requests have never been heard.
According to reports, a proposal for financial assistance to the fishermen during this two-month ban period has been made by the Sambalpur district administration to the Fisheries Department. However, the Government is yet to take any decision in this regard.