Bhubaneswar, March 13: The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden of Odisha has issued a plea to visitors frequenting the Olive Ridley nesting sites, urging them to refrain from disturbing the protected species or overcrowding the nesting areas. Consequently, all nesting sites have been closed to visitors until the hatching process concludes.

In an official statement, the Principal Chief Conservator (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden, Odisha, highlighted concerns over visitors at the Olive Ridley sea turtle nesting sites, utilizing bright lights for observation and photography, and engaging in inappropriate behavior. These activities, coupled with overcrowding, risk disrupting the natural nesting and hatching process of the turtles.

The statement emphasized the protected status of the Olive Ridley turtle under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, with such activities deemed as 'hunting' under Section 2(16), prohibited by Section 9 of the Act.

In light of these issues, the Principal Chief Conservator has ordered the immediate closure of all Olive Ridley sea turtle nesting sites to visitors until the hatchlings have emerged, ensuring the undisturbed continuation of the nesting process.

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