By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Gouttam Behera , President, Utkalmani Yubak Sangha has drawan immediate attention of forest and wildlife officials to a series of critical concerns published in leading Odia newspapers Sambad, Dharitri, and Sakala on 15th December 2024, regarding the growing threats to the Olive Ridley turtles during their mating season at Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, Kendrapara District, Odisha. He said as per these reports, the sanctuary is facing several alarming issues that are putting the survival of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles at serious risk:
- ILLEGAL FISHING ACTIVITIES: Despite clear regulations prohibiting fishing within a 20 km radius of the restricted zone during the mating season, illegal trawlers equipped with unauthorized VHF radios continue to operate. These trawlers not only violate the rules but also cause the deaths of turtles through collisions with their powerful engines.
- CORRUPTION AND NEGLIGENCE ALLEGATIONS: Serious concerns have been raised regarding certain forest department officials’ involvement in corrupt practices. Allegations suggest collusion with trawler operators for financial gain, severely undermining efforts to protect the turtles.
- INEFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT AND AWARENESS PROGRAMS: Despite awareness camps organized by the Rajnagar Forest Department at Shasan Peta, enforcement of rules remains weak, and monitoring is insufficient. A.C.F. Gagan Bihari Malik highlighted that turtle deaths are exacerbated by honey traps and a lack of action from both forest staff and trawler operators within the safety zone.
- WEAK PENALTIES: Reports indicate that fines imposed on violators are far from adequate, and the auctioning of seized trawlers is not being carried out legally. These lenient measures are worsening the situation, as violators face minimal repercussions for their illegal activities.
In light of these grave issues, I urge the Ministry to take immediate and effective action by:
- Conducting a thorough investigation into the corruption and negligence within the forest department, with strict disciplinary measures for the concerned officials.
- Deploying additional patrolling units, including Coast Guard support, to ensure tighter control over illegal activities in the restricted area.
- Strengthening penalties for violators, especially those using unauthorized VHF radios and engaging in illegal fishing practices.
The Olive Ridley turtles are a vital component of our marine ecosystem, and their protection is of national importance. I trust the Ministry will take swift and decisive action to safeguard the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary and its invaluable wildlife, ensuring strict action against any concerned forest staff found responsible.
‘Therefore, I respectfully urge you to initiate an immediate investigation into this matter and take strict action against those responsible. I also request that an action-taken report be submitted within 15 days to ensure transparency and accountability, he said.
