Kendrapara: Stepping up vigil on human interference within the Bhitarkanika National Park, forest personnel have arrested two persons for carrying out illegal fishing activities in crocodile habitation corridors.

The accused persons have been arrested for unlawfully gaining access to water bodies and forest areas for fishing activities and fuel wood collection in Khantiakhai forest block. Crabs were seized from them. Prohibition on human interference has been enforced round the year in the water bodies within the national park, said an official.

"Fishing activity or any other form of human activities like fuel wood collection within the wetland sites of the wildlife sanctuary and national park is a cognisable offence. The forest department has stepped up its vigil on any act of trespass into prohibited territories to ensure the safety of flora, fauna and the fragile eco-system of Bhitarkanika," said divisional forest officer, Rajnagar Mangrove (wildlife) forest division, Bimal Prasanna Acharya.

The department is sensitising people living close to the sanctuary to reduce dependence on the forest and its adjoining water bodies for livelihood stakes.

Besides fishing, collection of fuel wood, honey, grass and leaves from the protected forest for livelihood needs is unlawful.

The department has launched initiatives and comprehensive programmes to provide alternative livelihood stakes to sanctuary-side villagers. A large number of local settlers are now reaping economic benefits from the department-sponsored programmes. The percentage of people who are trespassing and breaking law is low, Acharya said.