Mahakalapada: More than 30 tribal fishing families from villages in Mahakalapada block of Kendrapada district are living in makeshift polythene shelters on small islands within the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary.
With the possibility of a cyclone forming over Bay of Bengal, concerns have been raised over their safety. The fishermen and crab catchers reportedly move to the islands with the onset of monsoon and stay there temporarily to earn their livelihood.
They venture into nearby rivers and the sea to catch fish and crabs, which they transport by boat to Paradip market or nearby fish and crab trading centres.
The makeshift settlements are located on islands and sandbars in areas including Launchghola, Hukitola, Madali and Sholamuhan. The fishermen reportedly return to their villages after the fishing season.
With a possible cyclone developing in Bay of Bengal, local residents have expressed concern that strong winds and high tides could sweep away the fragile polythene shelters, leaving the families vulnerable.
One fisherman, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the administration’s cyclone awareness messages had apparently not reached the fishing families living on the islands.
There were also concerns among some fishermen about possible action by forest officials, he said. Local intellectuals and residents have urged the administration to bring the fishermen back to their villages immediately as a precautionary measure.
Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary Range Officer Chitrasen Jena said the Forest department was keeping a close watch on the area and had taken special note of the situation.