Kendrapara, April 8 -- The fragile ecosystem of Bhitarkanika Sanctuary is under serious threat due to the rapid rise of illegal prawn dykes over the past year, in clear violation of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
According to the Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) of Kanika Forest Range, Manas Kumar Das, nearly 2,500 to 3,000 prawn dykes have been constructed on both private and government land since 2025.
These constructions violate Sections 27, 29, and 32 of the Act and are located on the fringes of Bhitarkanika National Park.
Das further stated that these dykes have been established in defiance of standing orders issued by the Orissa High Court. The court had previously directed authorities to remove all illegal prawn dykes wi...