Bhubaneswar, Jan. 13 -- Hundreds of traditional fishermen from Aul block of Kendrapara district who depend on the income derived from catching, processing and selling fish from Kharasrota and Brahmani rivers, are on the verge of losing their livelihood.

The fishermen alleged that due to rampant illegal fishing activities by the mafia, who use mechanised trawlers and even mix poison in the water to kill and catch fish, the rivers are becoming gradually polluted. Moreover, there has been a decrease in the variety and quantity of fish in the two rivers.

The fishermen community further alleged that despite repeated complaints to the concerned district administration, no tangible steps have been taken till date to check the mafia menace.

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