Mahakalapara: The concern of environmentalists and wildlife lovers over the deaths of endangered Olive Ridley turtles every year in Gahimaratha marine sanctuary will come to an end with the forest officials deciding to put up floating pillars to demarcate the prohibited zone of the sanctuary, a report said.
The forest officials have launched this programme for over a month now to demarcate the prohibited zone on the sea coast. The prohibited zone comprises the nesting site of the endangered turtles which will extend up to 20 km from the sea coast.
According to reports, the floating pillars are being put up near the Madali river mouth inside the sanctuary by identifying the spots with the help of a GPS coordination method. The forest officials after identifying the spots have put up floating pillars of stainless steel having a length of 70 to 90 feet in the sea.
The floating pillars could be seen from a long distance which will help alert the fishermen in the fishing trawlers and mechanized fishing boats from venturing into the prohibited zone. The floating pillars will also alert the fishermen drifting in the sea.
The fishermen have long been demanding demarcation of the jurisdiction of the sanctuary. Earlier, fishermen used to enter into the prohibited zone of the sanctuary and illegally fish in its water due to lack of a proper jurisdiction of the sanctuary. Illegal fishing often results in clashes with the forest officials and their subsequent arrest in their hands.
When contacted, Ranger Debashis Bhoi of Gahirmatha marine sanctuary said that currently five floating pillars will be put up while 15 more will be put up in coming days.
PNN