NHRC seeks report over discontinuation of sea patrolling along Odisha coast

The NHRC has sought a report from the Indian Coast Guard and the Odisha government over discontinuation of sea patrolling along the Odisha coast in the Bay of Bengal.

Acting on a petition filed by social activist Akhand, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the director general of Indian Coast Guard and the Odisha chief secretary to file a report within four weeks.

"Although there were intelligence reports regarding possible threat to the Jagannath temple in Puri from few terrorist groups, the sea patrolling has been stopped without any valid reason endangering the security of the nation," alleged Akhand.

He said marine police, marine fisheries and forest departments with Indian Coast Guard had initiated sea patrolling near the city after a group of terrorists launched an attack on Mumbai in 2008.

The sea patrolling was, however, discontinued from third week of September, he said.

Thousands of trawlers and mechanized boats, including many from neighbouring states and a few even from Bangladesh, regularly undertake fishing activities near the coast of Puri.

"On several occasions, trawlers from neighbouring states and also those from Bangladesh enter within two-three kilometers off Odisha coast in violation of a state government order, which prohibits the fishing of other state or country trawlers within five km off the coast," the petitioner said.

He prayed the NHRC to issue an order to the state government and the Indian Coast Guard to make full fledged arrangement for sea patrolling.