Archive · 27 Jul 2026
24 fishermen arrested for illegal fishing in Chilika
Twenty-four fishermen were caught fishing in a place they weren't supposed to, called Nalabana, which is a special area for birds in Chilika Lake.
The fishermen didn't have permission to be there, and they were breaking the rules.
The officials took away their boats, nets, and the fish they caught.
The fishermen are from nearby villages and might have been trying to make a living, but the officials say their actions can hurt the birds and the lake.
The area is protected by law to keep the birds safe and the lake healthy.
24 fishermen were arrested for illegal fishing in the Nalabana wildlife sanctuary in Chilika Lake.
Three mechanised boats, engines, bamboo oars, around 23 kg of fish, and nets were seized.
The fishermen could not produce any authorisation to enter the sanctuary area.
Three cases have been registered against the accused under the Wildlife Protection Act.
Illegal fishing threatens the habitat of migratory and resident birds and damages the eco-fragility of Chilika Lake.
- Who
- 24 fishermen from Balipatapur and Chandrapur villages
- What
- Arrested for illegal fishing in a prohibited zone of Nalabana wildlife sanctuary
- When
- Thursday afternoon
- Where
- Chilika Lake, Khordha district, Odisha
- Why
- To protect the habitat of migratory and resident birds and maintain the eco-fragility of Chilika Lake
Wildlife Protection
Livelihood Concerns
Conservation vs. Livelihood
Wildlife Protection
Illegal fishing threatens the habitat of migratory and resident birds and damages the eco-fragility of Chilika Lake.
Livelihood Concerns
Fishermen may argue that fishing is their primary source of livelihood and that restrictions limit their ability to support their families.
- Location
- Chilika Lake, Khordha district, Odisha
- Number of Arrested Fishermen
- 24
- Items Seized
- Three mechanised boats, engines, bamboo oars, around 23 kg of fish, and nets
- Act Violated
- Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972
- Sanctuary Area
- Nalabana, a wildlife sanctuary in Chilika Lake
- Sanctuary Area Size
- 15.53 sq km