Balasore, June 18: The Fisheries Department has prohibited fishermen from venturing into the sea along the coastal areas of Udaypur, Talsari, Ranasinghpur and Kirtania from June 18 to June 21 in view of adverse weather conditions in the Bay of Bengal.

According to the department, rough sea conditions triggered by heavy rainfall, strong winds and thunderstorms are expected during the period. Fishermen have been strictly advised to stay away from the sea, and violators will face stringent action.

Chandaneswar Fisheries Officer Ananta Jena said awareness campaigns have been launched across the coastal belt using public announcement systems to alert fishermen about the weather warning.

Bhograi block has four fish landing centres, and officials have intensified precautionary measures in the region. Fishermen have also been asked to shift their boats, fishing nets and other equipment to safer locations as strong winds could lead to collisions between boats and cause significant damage.

The Fisheries Department has urged the fishing community to strictly adhere to the advisory and avoid taking any risks until weather conditions improve.