Dead Olive Ridley turtles have been found floating along the Odisha coast, triggering concern at the height of the annual nesting season. Despite a ban on fishing between November 1 and May 31 within five to 20 kilometres of the Devi river mouth in Puri district, trawlers are allegedly operating unchecked. Similar restrictions are in force from the Devi river mouth to Brahmagiri, a region known for high turtle congregation.

The stretch from Astaranga to Brahmagiri, famed for its white sandy coastline, typically attracts large numbers of Olive Ridley turtles for nesting. While the Forest Department is expected to conduct regular patrolling in the area, the Puri Forest Division currently does not have its own trawler operational. Although the Fisheries Department seized two trawlers during recent raids, officials confirmed that the Forest Department’s vessel is yet to be deployed as tendering formalities are still underway.

Environmentalist Saroj Jena expressed concern over lapses in ground-level enforcement. “Fishermen who cannot venture into the sea during this period receive financial assistance. But there is a gap between the ‘Zero Tolerance Policy’ and its implementation. Beaches have not been cleaned, no signboards have been put up, and people using torches at night are disturbing nesting,” he said.

Puri DFO Magar Dhanaji Raoso said the department has set up 14 monitoring camps. “All four departments are conducting joint patrolling. This year, we have begun documentation to assess the causes of turtle deaths and determine how many are natural and how many are accidental,” he added.

Puri Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida said awareness efforts are underway. “We are trying to sensitise local residents about the Olive Ridley mass nesting season through community outreach in coordination with the Forest Department.”

Monitoring Intensifies in Ganjam

At the Rushikulya river mouth in Ganjam district, mating activity has commenced, prompting intensified patrolling efforts. Khallikote ACF Dibya Shankar Behera said, “Since November 1, we have been patrolling round the clock with five speed boats. Mating is progressing well.”

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A local fisherman said that while the government currently provides Rs 15,000 as financial assistance during the ban period, it should be increased to Rs 30,000. Despite strengthened surveillance, the rising number of turtle deaths continues to be a serious concern for conservationists.