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NGT Acts on Alarming Turtle Deaths
20 Feb
Summary
- NGT ordered strict implementation of conservation measures.
- Supreme Court directed TEDs installation in fishing vessels.
- New turtle conservation center to open in Chennai.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken serious note of the alarming increase in Olive Ridley turtle deaths along the Tamil Nadu coast, directing authorities to strictly implement conservation measures. The NGT's order reinforces Supreme Court directives aimed at preventing further mortality of this endangered species.
The Supreme Court previously mandated national and state-level coordination committees, state-specific standard operating procedures, and the strict enforcement of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs). A budget of Rs 57.72 crore was approved for TED distribution, with a target of 100% installation in fishing vessels.
Beyond fishing practices, the NGT also addressed coastal light and noise pollution during the nesting season, from January to April. Measures include minimizing non-essential lights and prohibiting loudspeakers near nesting sites, as artificial lighting can disorient hatchlings.
The NGT initiated proceedings based on news reports indicating hundreds of turtle deaths, primarily attributed to entanglement in fishing nets. The Olive Ridley turtle is a Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, granting it the highest legal protection.
Despite existing government orders and enforcement actions, statistics from 2020-21 to 2024-25 show a persistent rise in turtle mortality. Andhra Pradesh is also conducting awareness drives and relocating eggs to hatcheries. Tamil Nadu is establishing its first Sea Turtle Conservation Centre in Chennai to support research and capacity building.
