MTN 25:2 SOS from Sea Turtles from Orissa

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SOS from Sea Turtles from Orissa

P. Mohanty-Hejmadi
Utkal University, Bhubaneswar-751004, India

It is estimated that every year turtles and eggs worth 4 crores of rupees (Rs. 40,000,000/-) were taken from Gahirmatha area, Orissa by poachers for consumption inside the country and export. During February of this year encouraged by the concern shown by Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi and Mr. J.B. Patnaik, Chief Minister of Orissa, in collaboration with the Forest Department of West Bengal the Chief Wild Life Warden of Orissa Mr. U.N. Sarangi, and Divisional Forest Officer Mr. L.N. Chaudhury with help from the Indian Navy, siezed 4 trawlers, 15 boats, several costly nets and arrested 66 people. Turtles in large numbers were released from these boats into the sea. The penalty for this offence can be from 6 months to 6 years of rigorous imprisonment.