7 fishermen taken into custody by forest department

Seven fishermen were taken into custody by the forest department on charges of trespassing into prohibited water-zone of Bhitarkanika National Park here, a senior forest official said today.
Two country boats used for fishing purpose by the arrested persons were also seized by forest personnel during patrolling yesterday, the official said.
A patrol squad of wildlife officials intercepted three country boats and seven intruders near Baunsagadi creek of the national park, the official said, adding the seven arrested persons were all traditional inland fishermen and residents of contagious villages.
The accused persons were sent to court under section-29 and 31 of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 while the boats engaged for unlawful fishing activity were seized.

"Fishing activity within the water-bodies of the wildlife sanctuary and the national park is a cognizable offence. The forest department has stepped up its vigil on any act of trespass into prohibited territories to ensure the safety of flora, fauna and the fragile eco-system of Bhitarkanika," said Divisional Forest Officer, Rajnagar Mangrove (wildlife) Forest Division, Bimal Prasanna Acharya.