The Orissa Environmental Society (OES) has urged Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to take steps to pass the Odisha Regulation of Fishing and Fisheries in Chilika Bill 2017 in the coming Assembly Session in the greater interest of the State.
The Bill, which recently got approval of the State Cabinet, would empower authorities to take on the illegal prawn farming in the lagoon and to vest fishing lease power with the Chilika Development Authority (CDA).
“The Chilika lake is designated as the ‘Wetland of International Importance’ on account of its ecological significance and rich biodiversity. The lake is considered as a birds’ paradise and fisheries wonder. Over two lakhs of fisher folk are depending on it for livelihoods. It has been the source of inspiration for poets, writers and philosophers. However, the lake still reels under the burden of many environmental threats and fisheries issues. The capture fishery of the lake has been encroached upon by the culture fishery with the involvement of powerful outsiders,” alleged the OES in a letter to Patnaik.
The OES expressed confidence that the proposed Bill would bring a lease of relief to the lake itself as well as the fishermen community.
“An aptly framed Bill will illustrate our commitment to the protection of environment and conservation of natural resources of the State. We sincerely hope that the Chilika Bill will be passed in the ensuing Assembly session,” said OES president Dr Sundara Narayan Patro.