Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh govt has initiated efforts to conserve the endangered Olive Ridley turtles, following reports of a significant number of deaths along the state’s coastline. Deputy chief minister Konidela Pawan Kalyan has directed the forest and environment department to investigate the causes of these deaths and devise an action plan for their protection.
The Olive Ridley turtle, a critically endangered marine species, migrates to Indian coasts from Dec to April for nesting and reproduction. While Odisha hosts the highest number of these turtles, followed by Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh ranks third. However, the recent discovery of hundreds of dead turtles along Andhra’s coastline has raised concerns.
Initial investigations revealed that many turtles were not dying due to pollution but were falling victim to injuries caused by fishing nets and traps. The forest and environment department found that the turtles were often entangled in nets set on the seabed by fishermen, leading to their deaths.
To address this issue, Pawan Kalyan held a review meeting with officials and instructed them to work with fishermen in coastal villages to protect the turtles. Special awareness campaigns and training programs are being planned to educate fishermen about the importance of these marine creatures and methods to avoid harming them.
The govt is also preparing to organize training camps in fishing villages and identify key nesting areas along the coastline. Protective measures, including restrictions on tourist activities in sensitive areas, will be implemented to ensure the safety of Olive Ridley turtles during their nesting season.
“These turtles travel thousands of kilometers to reproduce, and it is our collective responsibility to protect them. Most fishermen unintentionally harm them due to a lack of awareness. Together, we can safeguard this rare species,” said Pawan Kalyan.
