Odisha gears up administration for protection of Olive Ridleys during mass nesting
19 November, Bhubaneswar
The Odisha government today geared up its administration for conservation and protection of the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtle during the current nesting season.
A high power committee for protection of the sea turtle was held here today chaired by state chief secretary A P Padhi to review the steps taken by the government on the protection measures for the sea turtle who comes in lakhs every year to the Odisha coast for mass nesting.
Padhi directed the Fishery, Forest and Marine police to operate in close coordination and ensure strict enforcement of the conservation rules. The Coast Guard was requested to have real time intelligence sharing with the departments about any illegal fishing.
The Dhamara, Gopalpur and Paradeep port trusts were requested to provide sea worthy vessels for patrolling in their respective coasts.
The Chief Secretary however asked the concerned departments not to harass the traditional fishermen unnecessarily during the ban period and catch hold of the real criminals who cause damage to the life of turtles.
According to Principal Chief Conservator of Forest ( Wildlife) Sidhant Das a total number of 59 camps both on-shore and off-shore would be installed at different places along the coast for detection of illegal fishing with 2 new camps in Puri and Bhadrakh coast.
A central monitoring unit has been set up in the office of the PCCF, Wild Life and there would be circle level monitoring under the direct supervision of Regional Conservator of Forests ( RCCF), Berhampur and Baripada.
The sea patrolling would be launched from various bases near Babubali, Agarnasi, new Devi Nasi island and Purunabandha. Each of the 59 camps will be provided with VHF communication devices, mobile phones and required camping materials.
There would be regular communication and intelligence sharing among coast guard, patrolling ship, and various camps and marine police. APR force would be deployed for patrolling and enforcement activities. The Collectors would depute magistrates to remain in charge of APR force placed at disposal of DFOs.
.Padhi said the industries and ports along the coast were requested to comply to the lighting regulations.A web portal under the title ‘manage.odishawildlife.org’ has already been developed for monitoring of sporadic nesting and mortality of Olive Ridley sea turtles, he said.