HC pulls up Govt for sitting on Kar report

CUTTACK: Even as the State Government presses for Central assistance for funding protection and preservation of Olive Ridley turtles, the Orissa High Court has pulled it up for gross failure in complying with the recommendations in the report of turtle researcher Dr CS Kar.The division bench comprising Chief Justice AK Ganguly and Justice BN Mohapatra had directed the Chief Secretary to file affidavit giving details on the steps taken so far to protect the severely endangered species as suggested by Dr Kar, who had been appointed by the Court to pin point measures in the direction. The affidavit should be filed by April 16 and the case would be next heard at the top of the list on April 21, the bench stated. The PIL was filed by one Rajiv Dasgupta pleading for effective measures to conserve and protect Olive Ridley turtles on the sea coast of Orissa. The turtles have been listed as Schedule 1 species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.Since the matter involves much public importance as sea turtles play a major role in maintenance of ecological balance and sustainable fishery, the issue of large-scale deaths is a cause of major concern. Though a High Power Committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary of the State, not much change is visible.The Chief Secretary should also indicate what steps are required for compliance of the report. Dr Kar had recommended declaration of Turtle Range State to Orissa by the State Government so that it can gain due recognition and importance at both the National and international levels. Protected area status under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, to Rushikulya and Magarmukh in Chilika and Devi and Rushikulya river mouths, removal of encroachments, increased surveillance by Coast Guards to prohibit fishing by trawlers in turtle zones. He had also emphasised on a coordinated approach by different departments.The Forest and Environment Department in its recent affidavit revealed that most of the important measures required for protection was yet to see the finality, the court observed.Meanwhile, the Coast Guard has also submitted that despite resources and financial shortcomings it has mobilised aircraft and ships and extra personnel from Haldia and Vizag ports to continue with Operation Oliver-2003 to minimise threat to sea turtles.
Friday April 4 2008 13:25 IST
ENS
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