Bhadrak,17th Sept 2025: There was a time when Dhamra and Chandbali ghats in Bhadrak district were renowned for their abundance of Hilsa fish (Ilishi). However, due to the effects of climate change, Hilsa is no longer being caught as frequently as before. Once available at a nominal price at these ghats, Hilsa now costs up to ₹3,000 per kg, making it a luxury item no longer found on the common man’s plate.
Around 30 to 40 years ago, areas like Dhamra, Chandbali, and Kasiya saw abundant Hilsa catch. The locally caught Hilsa was even exported internationally, contributing significantly to the economic development of the region. At that time, over 10,000 fishermen made their living by catching fish from the sea. Every evening, more than 5,000 trawlers, motorboats, and fishing vessels would head out to sea. These boats would stay at sea for 7 to 8 days, catching fish before returning to the coast.
Back then, 100 to 500 tonnes of Hilsa were caught daily.
However, over time, fishing enclosures (Chingudi Gheri) began springing up in the Bay of Bengal, and in rivers like Baitarani, Salandi, and Mantei. These enclosures involved the use of large quantities of chemical substances, which led to severe water pollution. As a result, Hilsa and many other fish and crab species stopped approaching the coastline.
Today, catching Hilsa from the Dhamra estuary has become a lost dream. People return empty-handed after long waits in vain. Fishing jetties at Kasiya, Chandbali, and Dhamra now lie almost abandoned.
Due to high demand and low availability, Hilsa prices have skyrocketed to ₹1,500–₹3,000 per kg, making it unaffordable for poor and middle-class families. Thus, the dream of enjoying Dhamra Hilsa has now faded from their dining tables.