Law and Lucunae
WHAT IS FORBIDDEN: Prawn culture within 1000 metres of Chilika. Non-traditional methods of fishing, including pen construction, selective stocking, external supplemental feeding with artificial feed and application of drugs and chemicals. Sub-lease for fishing in Chilika in identified ecosensitive belts, including areas that may be conserved for breeding and migration of fish and prawn, those declared as sanctuaries for birds and other wildlife and any other area specified from time to time on the basis of environmental impact assessment (EIA) conducted by the Chilika Development Authority (CDA).
CRIME AND PUNISHMENT: Fishing in traditional method without a valid sub-lease licence is liable for imprisonment up to one year and/or fine of up to Rs 10,000. Non-traditional fishing will invite three to five years of imprisonment and/or fine up to Rs 20,000. Fishing in ecosensitive areas is punishable with imprisonment from three to seven years and/or fine up to Rs 50,000.
LAW ENFORCERS: The respective district collectors will lease out the fishing areas to the Orissa State Fishermen's Cooperative Federation (OSFCF) to be sub-leased to primary cooperatives. The CDA will monitor and evaluate fishing activities in and around Chilika. It will maintain records of areas leased and sub-leased, and carry out regular inspections and demolition. It will also prepare an annual report based on the EIA to be placed in the state assembly.
FINE PRINT: The government has decided to sub-lease 14,000 hectares of fishing area to non-traditional fisherfolk's cooperatives which, it is felt, will let the prawn mafia in through the backdoor. The OSFCF will continue to sub-lease tracts to fisherfolk. This will, in effect, curb the rights of the primary cooperatives apart from causing them inconvenience.