Rs 4 Crore Turtle Protection Boats Lie Idle at Gahirmatha Sanctuary for Years
Two modern interceptor boats meant to safeguard Olive Ridley sea turtles at the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary in Kendrapada have been sitting idle for years. Technical problems have grounded these vessels, seriously hampering surveillance efforts at one of the world's most important turtle nesting sites.
Boats Acquired in 2016 Now Defunct
The forest department acquired the boats named Gahirmatha-I and Gahirmatha-II in 2016. They purchased these high-speed vessels from Mumbai at a cost of Rs 4 crore. The purpose was clear: prevent fishing vessels from entering the protected marine zone during the nesting season.
Today, both boats float unused near the sanctuary office. Kapilendra Pradhan, forest range officer of Gahirmatha marine sanctuary, confirmed the situation. He said one boat became non-functional about four years ago. The second developed technical snags three years later.
"Since the boats cannot be used, we have been forced to hire fishing trawlers for patrolling to protect the turtles," Pradhan stated.
Advanced Vessels Now Useless
Authorities designed these boats as eco-friendly and soundless speedboats. They equipped them with advanced safety mechanisms. The intention was to enable forest staff to swiftly chase illegal fishing trawlers from within sanctuary limits. Crew members even received training to operate the boats.
Environmental activists point to different problems. Hemant Rout, secretary of the Gahirmatha Marine Turtle and Mangrove Conservation Society, said local crew members lacked adequate training to operate the high-speed interceptor boats.
"It is high time the forest department appoints competent crew and repairs the boats. Without speedboats, it is nearly impossible to chase fishing trawlers inside the marine sanctuary," Rout emphasized.
Judicial Attention and Committee Recommendations
The issue has drawn judicial attention in the past. In 2021, the Orissa high court took suo motu cognisance of unnatural deaths of several Olive Ridley turtles. The court directed the state government to strengthen protection measures.
The court constituted a three-member committee comprising:
- Sea turtle researcher Kartik Shankar of the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
- Sushant Nanda, director (environment) in the state forest administration
- Advocate Mohit Agarwal
This committee visited Gahirmatha marine sanctuary and Rushikulya beach. They acknowledged that Olive Ridley turtles continue to face threats from fishery-related mortality and coastal development. The panel specifically directed forest officers to deploy high-speed boats for turtle protection.
The situation remains unchanged today. Two expensive protection vessels gather dust while endangered turtles face increasing threats in their most critical habitat.
