Forest department directed to secure nesting grounds of Olive Ridleys

BHUBANESWAR: In a bid to check the decline in Olive Ridley mass nesting, the state government has directed the Forest department to take adequate measures to secure the habitat of these endangered species in the current season. Chairing a high-level meeting in this regard recently, chief secretary Manoj Ahuja asked the forest and wildlife officials to strengthen the enforcement mechanism, use modern technology to monitor the movement of the sea turtles, create mass awareness in the area during the spawning season and take action against the violators. Ahuja emphasised on holding regular coordination meetings among stakeholders - divisional forest officers, Fisheries department officials, DRDO authorities, post authorities, Coast Guard, district administrations and other shore establishments. He also asked forest officials to coordinate with the district administrations, police and Coast Guard to ensure joint sea patrolling regularly. Forest officials said high speed boats have been deployed for protection and conservation of Olive Ridleys in Rajnagar Mangrove, Bhadrak Wildlife and Berhampur Divisions.