Mushrooming prawn gheris imperil Bhitarkanika habitat

A silent ecological crisis is unfolding along the coast, where unchecked mushrooming of illegal prawn gheris between Dhamra and Paradip is rapidly reshaping the landscape. What was once a thriving ecosystem is now increasingly dominated by unauthorised aquaculture enclosures—some even encroaching on the protected zones of Bhitarkanika National Park—sparking alarm among conservationists and local communities.

- POST NEWS NETWORK

Toxic chemicals and gases released from these shrimp ponds have created what locals describe as a “poison ring”, endangering humans, wildlife, and marine ecosystems alike. Despite a High Court directive to demolish unauthorised prawn enclosures, environmentalists allege that enforcement remains lax and the directive has effectively been ignored.