Dead turtles, probable victims of mechanised fishing, on the site of the TATA port at Dhamra.
"The real issue here is that rare species have been discovered
at the port site and there is now evidence of turtle movement in
the offshore waters. Instead of trying to hide behind baseless
allegations, the TATA Group must address the real and valid
concerns that these findings raise," said Sanjiv Gopal, Oceans
Campaigner with Greenpeace. (1) "Mr. Ratan Tata had promised to
ensure that no harm came to the turtles or the environment, it is
now time for him to keep his word and ensure that the TATAs
withdraw from Dhamra. This area must be protected for posterity
from any and all destruction."
Taking serious exception to the allegations leveled, G.
Ananthapadmanabhan, Executive Director, Greenpeace India, said, "We
have established that these allegations are baseless. The real
question to be asked is who or what is prompting these allegations
to be raised now, almost a month after the report was released. The
Orissa Government needs to do its constitutional duty to protect
the environment rather than act in a blatantly partisan manner to
protect private, corporate interests."
Greenpeace put forward a point by point rebuttal of the
allegations leveled against it. (2) Contrary to the
Vice-Chancellor's allegation that the report submitted by the
university was for the 'Dhamra estuary' and not Dhamra port site,
Greenpeace presented proof that the study, as per the agreement
signed between Greenpeace and North Orissa University, was for the
'Dhamra Port Area'. Moreover, the GPS coordinates of the study area
clearly show that the area studied extended from Chandnipal Point
northwards and included the port site itself, as well as the Kanika
Sands.
Ironically, there appear to be severe contradictions within the
Orissa state government. While Mr. Priyabrata Patnaik has jumped to
the defence of the TATA port, Greenpeace made public a proposal
submitted by the Additional PCCF and CWW, Forest department
(Wildlife), to the Department of Forest and Environment, which
calls for the notification of an ecologically sensitive zone for a
radius of 10 km. around Bhitharkanika National Park, Bhitharkanika
Sanctuary and Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary.(3) This would include
the Dhamra Port Site Area, a recommendation that has also been made
in the report published by Greenpeace.
The study conducted by Dr. S.K. Dutta, who has continued to
stand by his findings, has provided evidence to suggest that
turtles are found in the waters off the port site, and that the
port site and surrounding mudflats are habitat for horseshoe crabs
and rare species of frogs and snakes.(4) Prathyush Mohapatra, an
independent researcher who was part of the study team, has also
verified the authenticity of the findings as published by
Greenpeace, including the discovery of a piece of coral near the
Defence establishment at Chandnipal.
For further information, contact
Sanjiv Gopal, Oceans Campaigner +91 98455 35416 
Saumya Tripathy, Greenpeace Communications +91 93438 62212 
Notes to Editor
(1) Greenpeace is an independent, campaigning organisation that uses non-violent, creative confrontation to expose global environmental problems, and force solutions for a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace's goal is to ensure the ability of the Earth to nurture life in all its diversity. Greenpeace does not solicit or accept funding from governments, corporations or political parties. Greenpeace neither seeks nor accepts donations that could compromise its independence, aims, objectives or integrity.
(2) Refer to the document attached "A Greenpeace counter to Allegations on the Dhamra biodiversity report".
(3) Refer to the proposal document reference letter no. 1598 / 1WL011/06 dated 13.3.2007 of the PCCF (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Orissa to the Principal Secretary, Forest and Environment Department.
(4) The report on the Biodiversity Assessment of the Dhamra Port site can be found at www.greenpeace.org/India/press/reports/greenpeace-biodiversity