The Gujarat government has announced a ban on all fishing activities in the sea areas surrounding three major fish landing centres in Kutch district, effective immediately. The directive, issued by the Agriculture, Farmer Welfare &amp; Cooperation Department, applies to Narayan Sarovar, Jakhau, and Lakhpat.&nbsp;
These centres are located close to the Indo-Pak border, with Narayan Sarovar positioned just 40 km from the international boundary. Lakhpat is situated about 33 km from the Sir Creek, a waterway that separates India and Pakistan, while Jakhau is the nearest fishing port to Pakistan, located in the Gulf of Kutch.
The restrictions were imposed under Section 7(1) of the Gujarat Fisheries Act, 2003 (Guj. 8 of 2003), and will remain in place till further notice. The move comes as tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
In another significant development, at least 11 flights departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) in Ahmedabad were cancelled on Thursday due to operational disruptions. These cancellations are linked to the suspension of civilian operations at several airports across India, including Bhuj, Rajkot, Kandla, and Jamnagar.&nbsp;
The cancelled flights included both international and domestic services: IA 450 to Najaf in Iraq, two flights to Srinagar (6E 6164, QP 6637), three flights to Chandigarh (6E 6375, 6E 246, 6E 6506), and one each to Delhi (AI 424), Bhuj (S5 157), Kolhapur (S5 166), Kishangarh (6E 7283), and Keshod (9I 603).
In response, airlines have assured affected passengers that they will be provided with options for rebooking or refunds.
SVPIA issued an advisory, stating, &ldquo;In view of airspace restrictions and closure of certain airports across the country, flight operations may be impacted. We urge passengers to check with their airlines for the latest flight status before travelling to the airport.&rdquo;
Meanwhile, the Gujarat Police have cancelled the leave of all officers in the state, instructing them to resume duty immediately in light of the current security situation.&nbsp;
For the past two days, security has been intensified along the state&rsquo;s coastal belt, with additional forces deployed for round-the-clock patrolling.
Officers from the State Reserve Police (SRP) and Gram Rakshak Dal are working in coordination with local law enforcement to ensure continuous surveillance. Police have also been visiting coastal villages and boat landing points, urging local leaders and residents to report any suspicious activities.
Security measures have been particularly strengthened at critical infrastructure points within the Rajkot Range, covering the districts of Jamnagar, Morbi, and Devbhumi Dwarka.&nbsp;
The police are conducting regular vehicle checks and patrols, while the Marine Task Force is monitoring the sea for any unusual movements. Fishermen leaving or entering harbours are being asked to provide identification and relevant documentation as part of the enhanced security protocol.
These measures follow the Indian Armed Forces&rsquo; Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) early on Wednesday.&nbsp;
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Coastal security and flight disruptions in Gujarat as tensions rise between India and Pakistan

Fishing Ban and Security Surge in Gujarat Amid Indo-Pak Strain

Coastal security and flight disruptions in Gujarat as tensions rise between India and Pakistan

May 8, 2025 | 18:20 IST