NGO launches patrolling to save Olive Ridley Turtles

Kozhikode, Sep 3 (UNI) A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) 'Theeram Nature Care Society' (TNCS) has launched a vigorous patrolling at Kolavippalam beach near here, a favourite nesting ground for the Olive Ridley Turtles(ORT), to collect eggs of these endangered species.

TNCS President Suresh Babu told UNI that the patrolling, which started since September 15 will continue till March 2007, the nesting season.

He said a three-member patrol team usually cover a eight km stretch between Tikkoti to Kottapuzha Azhimugham during night and early morning and deposit the eggs collected in hatcheries set up at the shore.

However, he was skeptical about shrinking of shore due to illegal sand mining resulting in non-availability of land for setting up hatcheries.

Pointing at the fact that very few of them turned up for nesting last year, he said the species seem to be gradually eluding Kolavippalam, the second largest nesting ground for Olive Ridley Turtles after the Gahirmatha coast in Orissa, because of environmental degradation caused by illegal sand mining.

He said many of the hatcheries at the area were washed away by surging water as the coast cannot withstand tidal waves.

He said permission was being granted for mining, ignoring the existing ban, on the pretext of port development based on an Act, which was in force since the colonial era.

As per the India Port Act 1908, ''any floating material that obstruct the channel can be removed by the conservator of ports and the expenditure incurred can be recovered from the concerned party'', he said.

MORE UNI PCH BDP KP1212