COVID-19: Vizag fishing harbour shut, auction banned

Visakhapatnam: Fisheries Department on Wednesday shut down the fishing harbour and banned sale and auction of fishes in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus in Vizag city.

The ban would remain in force until further orders. The decision was taken after five more tested positive for COVID 19 in Vizag city.

Normally, the 61-day fishing ban on the east coast region would commence from April 15 for the breeding. However, this time the ban commenced 15 days before given the COVID pandemic

District administration said retailors have been defying the lockdown and thronging the fishing harbour. This had created a peculiar situation with even police failing to maintain the order.

Fisheries department joint director Dr. K Phani Prakash said they had taken many measures to implement the lockdown and ensure social distancing. “But controlling crowds at the harbour had become a herculean task for the authorities”, he said.

After holding discussions with district authorities, Fisheries Department decided to close down the fishing harbour from Thursday.