Kolkata: Cyclone Dana, accompanied by heavy rain, sea surges, and strong winds, has caused widespread damage to fish farms across several coastal districts of West Bengal. Fisheries in East Midnapore and South 24 Parganas were particularly affected, with reports indicating extensive flooding and destruction of infrastructure.
The storm surge, intensified by a high tide, inundated large aquaculture zones, washing away fish stock and damaging equipment. Early estimates suggest that the financial losses in these regions may run into several crores. Experts warn that the complete assessment could reveal even greater devastation.
“We have lost substantial stock, especially mature fish ready for harvest,” said a fishery operator from East Midnapore. “This is a setback not just for us but also for the market supply chain, which will now take time to stabilize.”
Apart from fish stock losses, stagnant water due to flooding poses a long-term risk, potentially leading to disease outbreaks and water quality degradation. Fish farms dependent on freshwater species like rohu, catla, and tilapia are particularly vulnerable to such conditions. “If the water doesn’t recede soon, it will compromise the entire breeding cycle,” cautioned an aquaculture expert.
Pradip Mazumdar, the state’s agriculture advisor and panchayat minister, acknowledged the heavy toll on fisheries. “It is a significant loss for the sector, and we will be reviewing the situation closely over the next few days to decide on appropriate relief measures,” he said.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed concern for the affected farmers and announced immediate steps to mitigate the losses. “We are extending the crop compensation claim deadline from October 31 to November 30 to ensure no farmer or fish farm owner is left behind. Surveys will begin this Saturday, and relief, if required, will be provided through the Karmashree project,” she assured.
The storm’s impact on aquaculture is expected to ripple through the fish markets, leading to a potential surge in prices. As many fish farms have reported total stock loss, the supply gap could extend for months.
Cyclone Dana has not only threatened livelihoods but has also disrupted the delicate balance in a region heavily dependent on fisheries. Stakeholders now look to the government for swift relief and long-term solutions to rebuild the sector.
