Janjgir-Champa, Chhattisgarh: Members of the fishermen community staged a major protest against the Fisheries Department in Janjgir-Champa district on Tuesday, accusing officials of corruption and irregularities in the allotment of ponds for fish farming.
The protestors blocked the main road outside the Fisheries Department office at Kulipota, bringing traffic to a standstill for nearly three hours. The demonstrators alleged that fisheries officials were illegally granting pond leases to non-fishermen groups in exchange for money, violating government rules and sidelining the traditional fishing community.
The agitation was led by Gayatri Gaygawar, State President of the Chhattisgarh Fishermen Association. Addressing the protestors, she claimed that the department was ignoring established norms and denying rightful opportunities to members of the fishermen community.
“We have been repeatedly visiting the Fisheries Department offices to raise our concerns, but officials keep sending us from one office to another. Ponds are being allotted to non-fishermen societies through monetary dealings. We demand a fair investigation into these irregularities,” Gaygawar said.
Following the prolonged road blockade, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) reached the spot and assured the protestors of a thorough inquiry into the allegations. After receiving the assurance, the fishermen community called off their protest.
Meanwhile, the Fisheries Department has denied all allegations. Assistant Fisheries Officer Sitaram Mahiwar stated that pond allotments are carried out strictly in accordance with government rules and regulations.
“Priority is given to fishermen societies as per policy. In several cases, pond allotments have been made to fishermen communities following court orders. However, applicants from other communities are also considered eligible for fish farming leases under existing rules,” Mahiwar clarified.
The SDM later confirmed that the protestors’ complaints have been taken seriously. “We have assured them that the matter will be investigated. Strict action will be taken if any official is found guilty,” the SDM said.
The incident highlights growing discontent among the fishermen community in the district and has raised questions about transparency in the functioning of the Fisheries Department.