Balasore, Aug 11: Fishermen at Digha Harbour have struck a bonanza after their nets hauled in quintals of hilsa, bringing smiles to the faces of the fishing community. The huge catch has also attracted crowds of tourists eager to see the fresh fish at the harbour near the Balasore border.

According to reports, fishermen landed a massive quantity of hilsa on the first day of the current season. The fish is currently being sold at around ₹600 to ₹1,300 per kilogram, depending on its size and quality.

Fishermen attributed the sudden arrival of hilsa to heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas. During the monsoon, increased freshwater flow encourages hilsa to move closer to the coast and migrate towards freshwater stretches.

With low-pressure-induced rainfall continuing in the upper regions, fishermen expect an even bigger hilsa catch in the coming days. The Digha fish landing centre is an important hub for the trade, with hilsa being supplied to markets across the country and exported overseas.