​​​​​​​Bhubaneswar, November 14: The Odisha government on Saturday issued an advisory asking fishermen not to venture into the sea along and off the South Odisha coast on November 17 and 18 in view of the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) warning of squally weather and rough sea conditions.

According to a communication issued by the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), strong winds with speeds of 45-55 kmph, gusting occasionally up to 65 kmph, are likely to prevail along and off the South Odisha coast during the two days.

The sea is also expected to remain rough to very rough, making fishing activities unsafe during the period.

The SRC has directed the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department, the Collectors of Ganjam, Puri, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak and Balasore districts, and the Director of Fisheries to ensure that the advisory is widely circulated among fishermen.

The district administrations have further been instructed to ensure that all fishermen return safely from the sea and submit certificates confirming their return in compliance with the advisory.