Kendrapara: The 7-month long fishing ban in Gahirmatha beach to provide protection to Olive Ridely sea turtles during their nesting season, has become a concern for local fishermen who stand to lose their livelihood.
The band which began from November 1 and will extend till May 31, has left as many as 15,000 fishermen from Rajnagar area without employment.
Though the government has made provisions of rice and compensation, the fishermen have alleged that they are yet to receive them since the past 2 years.
On the other hand, the forest officials have said that steps have been taken to heighten protection of turtles on the beach as well as inside the deep sea. As many as 16 onshore and 2 offshore camps have been set up to protect the turtles.