Angul, Oct 23: Six villagers have been arrested by the Forest Department for allegedly using dynamite to catch fish inside the eco-sensitive zone of Hatidhara Reserved Forest under the Athmallik Forest Division in Odisha.

According to the Forest Department, the accused had allegedly entered Compartment No. 50 of the reserved forest and were using dynamite to catch fish in the Kukudadar stream when they were caught.

The arrested individuals include Satyabrata Samal, a resident of the Nuagad area under Athmallik police station limits, along with five others.

During the operation, forest officials seized two motorcycles, two mobile phones and materials allegedly used for detonating dynamite.

Officials stated that illegal activities of this nature in eco-sensitive zones can disrupt the natural habitat of wildlife and adversely affect aquatic life and the surrounding ecosystem.

The Forest Department has taken action against the accused in connection with the incident.