This decision follows a financial estimate released by
Greenpeace in March 2007 of the funds required to solve the
turtle-fishermen crisis in the state. The estimate specified an
allocation of Rs. 2.02 Crores to the Department of Forests
(Wildlife), for improved patrolling to protect turtles (1). Since
the release of this estimate, Greenpeace has interacted with over
50 members of the Orissa Legislative Assembly, across party lines,
urging them to support the necessary budgetary allocations.
Following a government assurance during the March 2007 vote on
account budget session that they would examine the Greenpeace
proposal, Greenpeace actively followed up with members and chairs
of standing committees constituted for Fisheries, Public Accounts
and Environment and Forests.
"We are happy to note that the Orissa government has responded
positively to our proposal. This decision takes cognizance of
Supreme Court orders on the patrolling and enforcement of
no-trawling zones, and is a first step in the right direction",
said Sanjiv Gopal, Oceans Campaigner, Greenpeace India. "Greenpeace
will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that these
resources are utilized appropriately in the coming turtle season.
We are keen to collaborate with the Government on patrolling, by
sharing our resources, including our speedboats and perhaps even
the Greenpeace flagship, the Rainbow Warrior," he further
added.
The turtle death toll, along the Paradip to Ramchandi coast, and
the Bhadrak Coast around Dhamra, has crossed 5000 this year.
Illegal fishing in the Devi area also continues. The situation in
the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary remains unknown, with no
independent verification of official figures possible.
While the government is pushing for increased resources for
turtle protection, Greenpeace is disappointed that the amount
estimated for fishermen's compensation has not been allocated. "We
will continue to push the state government to make this allocation,
to resolve the unnecessary turtle-fisher crisis that recurs each
year," said Sanjiv Gopal
"This is a positive step in the short term and Greenpeace
supports it. But at the same time, with the Goverrnment considering
mega projects such as the Dhamra Port, the future of the turtles,
coastal ecosystems and traditional communities dependent on them
hangs in balance. It is essential that any proposed Industrial
development considers and factors in environmental and social
implications. In the case of the Dhamra port Project, it would
quite clearly mean stopping the port from being built at the
current proposed location" said Ashish Fernandes, Oceans
Campaigner, Greenpeace India.
For further information, contact
For further information please visit www.greenpeaceindia.org or contact
Saumya Tripathi, Greenpeace Communications, +91-93438 62212, 
Sanjiv Gopal, Oceans Campaigner, +91-98455 35416, 
Notes to Editor
1) Please refer to http://www.greenpeace.org/india/press/reports/orissa-turtle-package for the detailed financial proposal.
2) The Interim budget session of the Orissa Legislative Assembly betweenMarch 21st to March 31st, 2007.