Indian Coast Guard holds Operation Oliva

Paradip, : Survey reports by the forest department, Odisha, on 20 February 2025 are encouraging, as 5,55,638 eggs have been safely laid by endangering species, Olive Ridley turtle at Rushikulya and Devi River mouth to Astrang of Odisha symbolizing collective conservation efforts towards wildlife protection. Conservationists have established protected areas on beaches off Odisha coast where these turtles lay their eggs and thus these areas are regularly monitored to prevent human interference, whether through seaward poaching or disturbance from leisure activities. Every year since 1991, Indian
Coast Guard (ICG) had been providing continuous assistance to central and state authorities/ agencies for protection of endangered species under Wildlife Act, 1972. Under Operation Olivia, as on date 20 Feb 25, the ongoing season of mass nesting of
endangered Olive Ridley turtles at the coast of Odisha have yielded productive result as the nesting data mainly at Rushikulya have come up with 6,126 number of nests
with 5,51,238 eggs, where in nesting at Devi River mouth to Astrang is sporadic in nature with 60 nests and 5,400 eggs. Indian Coast Guard (ICG), being maritime
law enforcement organization, has been entrusted with the charter responsibility of preserving and protecting the maritime environment. ICG in coordination with state fisheries and the forest department is conducting the operation, which had commenced
on 01 November which will continue upto 31 May 25. As part of the ongoing operation ICG conducts periodic social awareness drives and special community interaction program for sensitizing coastal populace and fishing community. During this period,
fishing vessels/ boats operating close to the marine reserve area/ protected area are being regularly monitored by ICG for the usage of Turtle Excluder Device (TED).
ICG ships and aircraft are deployed/tasked towards protection of turtles and to ensure
that appropriate environment is provided to the turtles for mass nesting and to enforce the legislation promulgated by Government. Till todate during the conduct of operation Twenty nine (29) ICG ships were deployed for 138 days and ICG aircraft were tasked for about 65 Hrs, which has assisted in reduction of casualties to larger extent. Approx 150 fishing boats have been boarded/ investigated during ongoing operation to ensure strict adherence of law