Khordha, Nov 10 (UDN): The Khordha district administration on Tuesday launched a large-scale eviction drive to dismantle illegal shrimp enclosures spread across hundreds of acres of Chilika Lake, intensifying its efforts to curb unauthorised aquaculture in the ecologically sensitive lagoon.
The operation is underway in Badakul, Chandraput and Kaliyugeswar areas within the jurisdiction of Balugaon police station in Chilika tehsil. Officials are removing enclosures allegedly constructed by fish farmers to facilitate commercial shrimp cultivation.
According to reports, several individuals had occupied portions of the lake by setting up unauthorised structures for shrimp farming. Such encroachments have raised concerns over illegal occupation of the lagoon and the potential impact of these activities on its fragile ecosystem.
The eviction operation is being carried out jointly by Balugaon Police, the Chilika Development Authority (CDA) and the Wildlife Department. Personnel from the three agencies have been deployed to assist in dismantling the structures and ensure the drive proceeds smoothly.
FIRs and legal action against encroachers
The Chilika tehsildar has warned that strict legal action will be initiated against those found involved in illegal aquaculture and encroachment.
The official said offenders would face registration of FIRs and further legal proceedings, signalling the administration’s resolve to prevent unauthorised activities within the lake.
Previous drive cleared 1,200 acres
The latest operation follows an earlier eviction campaign in 2025, during which the administration reportedly cleared around 1,200 acres of illegally encroached land.
The renewed drive highlights the administration’s continuing efforts to remove unauthorised shrimp enclosures and protect Chilika, one of Odisha’s most important and ecologically sensitive water bodies.
The operation is expected to focus on clearing the identified encroachments across the targeted areas.