Odisha chalks out action plan to protect mass nesting of Olive Ridleys along the coast

Bhubaneswar: Odisha government has chalked out on Action Plan for 2021-22 for the conservation and protection of the Olive Ridley sea turtle, an endangered species during the mass nesting period.

The regional conservator of forests would monitor the operations in their respective jurisdiction in close coordination of district administration, police and other concerned departments.

The operations would start from November 1, 2021 and would continue up to May, 2022. One central monitoring unit would be set up in the office of the Chief Wildlife Warden.

The action plan was decided at the State High Power Committee on conservation of Olive Ridley held today under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra.

Official sources said all fishing by motorized vessels/trawlers and mechanized techniques would be banned within 20 kms from the specified coast of the sea comprising sea turtle congregation area and their buffer zones in three river mouths namely Dhamara river mouth, Devi river mouth and Rushikulya river mouth.

Wide awareness activities would be undertaken for the purpose. Circle level monitoring mechanisms would be undertaken under the direct supervision of Regional Conservator of Forests (RCCF), Bhubaneswar, Berhampur and Baripada. Berthing places would be set up at Barunei, Gupti, Sasanapeta and Krushnapriyapur and Rajnagar for safe custody of the seized vessels.

A total number of 66 patrolling camp sites including 61 on-shores and 5 off-shore camps would operate round the clock. Each camp would be provided with VHF communication devices, mobile phones and required camping materials.

There would be regular communication and intelligence sharing among the coast guard, patrolling ship, and various camps and marine police. Armed police force would be deployed for patrolling and enforcement activities. (UNI)