- 724 boats stranded at Jakhau, Lakhpat, and Narayan Sarovar due to heightened security.
- Fishing ban enforced under Operation Sindoor, impacting livelihoods.
- Fishermen’s cooperatives appeal for fishing tokens to mitigate economic losses.
The ongoing Operation Sindoor has led to a stringent ban on fishing activities in the maritime zones of Jakhau, Lakhpat, and Narayan Sarovar in Gujarat. This has left 724 boats stranded.
Despite the partial reopening of Gujarat’s ports after cyclone-related closures, the three key fishing harbors remain off-limits. This is due to their proximity to the India-Pakistan maritime border.
Stranded Boats, Lost Season: Gujarat Fishermen Hit Hard by Extended Fishing Ban
In Gujarat’s Kutch district, over 724 fishing boats remain docked at the ports of Jakhau, Lakhpat, and Narayan Sarovar. Security measures under Operation Sindoor continue to be enforced. The maritime restrictions, aimed to bolster security along the India-Pakistan border, have left fishermen from Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, and other districts unable to return home. This situation has led to a crisis in the coastal fishing community.
Operation Sindoor, initiated amid heightened security concerns, has imposed stringent measures on maritime movements. These measures particularly target the high-value fishing zones in Kutch. Boats without an official token generated from Gandhinagar are not permitted to venture into restricted waters. Consequently, local fishermen are economically vulnerable and unable to capitalize on the lucrative summer fishing period.
Adding to the fishermen’s woes, the annual fishing ban, set to begin on June 1, looms over their already curtailed season. There is no clarity on when Operation Sindoor will conclude. Thus, the loss of income for the region’s fishermen is poised to escalate. They are prompted to appeal for government assistance and interim financial support.
The Assistant Fisheries Office in Bhuj confirmed that of the 15 fishing ports in Kutch, only Jakhau, Lakhpat, and Narayan Sarovar remain restricted. This situation creates an uneven impact across the region. Fishermen’s cooperatives are urging authorities to issue fishing tokens to alleviate mounting economic distress. They emphasize the urgency as the fishing season draws to a close.
The prolonged fishing ban in Kutch underscores the delicate balance between maritime security and the livelihoods of Gujarat’s fishing communities. As they navigate escalating economic challenges, the situation remains tense.
“Security is not the absence of danger, but the presence of preparedness.” — Unknown
