Forest department gears up for Olive Ridley nesting in Odisha's Ganjam

Three control rooms in the five-km stretch of the coast where mass nesting takes place, have been opened, including one near the river mouth.
Olive Ridley turtles (Representational Image)
Olive Ridley turtles (Representational Image)

BERHAMPUR:  With mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles all set to take place, the Forest department in Ganjam district with assistance of stakeholders is stepping up measures to protect the endangered species during this period. 

In a meeting on Saturday, Berhampur DFO Amlan Nayak said patrolling off Ganjam coast has begun after the seven-month fishing ban to protect the Olive Ridley turtles came into effect on November 1.

The DFO said, four vessels including three speed boats and a trawler are patrolling the sea since last week to crack down on fishing trawlers and mechanised boats in no-fishing zones.

Forest staff have been deployed in 11 camps to ensure safety of the sea turtles. 

Three control rooms in the five-km stretch of the coast where mass nesting takes place, have been opened, including one near the river mouth.

To facilitate mass nesting, forest officials have decided to make a fence around the stretch from Gokharakuda to Podampeta.

Besides, cleaning of the beach and awareness drive among fishing folk in villages close to the river mouths are being undertaken. 

To compensate for loss of income, the State government has decided to extend one-time livelihood assistance of Rs 7,500 to affected families, Nayak said.

In Ganjam, as many as 3,638 families of nine villages will benefit from the compensation.

“Last year, the nesting was sporadic but this year we are hoping mass nesting and are taking all needful measures,” the DFO added. 

Marking the beginning of the mass nesting season of the turtles, the State government has prohibited fishing activities within 20 km of the coast at river mouths of Dhamara, Devi and Rusikulya from November 1 to May 31. 

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