Question : DEATH OF OLIVE RIDLEY TURTLES

(a) whether the Union Government are aware that more than 3,000 Olive Ridley Turtles have died in Orissa coast as reported in Times of India dated January 9, 2003;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefore;

(c) whether the State Government has been directed to take immediate action in this regard;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether State Fisheries department is also involved in continued killing of the turtles; and

(f) if so, the measures taken/proposed to be taken by the Union Government to protect the turtles?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI DILIP SINGH JU DEV)

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) Apart from natural deaths, injuries sustained from the sea going vessels have been identified as the cause of mortality of Olive Ridley turtles. The details are as under:

LOCATION	NUMBER OF DEAD TURTLES COUNTED
Gahirmatha sanctuary	707
Dighe and Paradip coast	2,155
Paradip to Ghumsur South	168