Turtle Trails

The Union Budget 2026–27 proposed “Turtle Trails” to develop regulated ecotourism infrastructure along key Olive Ridley turtle nesting sites.

The proposed trails will cover important coastal nesting areas in Odisha, Karnataka, and Kerala.

What are Turtle Trails?

Aspect	Details
Budget Proposal	Proposed in the Union Budget 2026–27.
Main Focus	Development of regulated ecotourism infrastructure along Olive Ridley turtle nesting sites.
Covered States	Planned along key nesting sites in Odisha, Karnataka, and Kerala.
Intended Aim	To promote conservation awareness and create local livelihood opportunities.

Key Olive Ridley Nesting Sites

Site	Location / Importance
Gahirmatha Beach	Located in Kendrapara, Odisha; one of the world’s major Olive Ridley nesting sites.
Devi River Mouth	Located in Puri, Odisha; an important nesting area along Odisha’s coast.
Rushikulya	Located in Ganjam, Odisha; a major annual mass nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles.

Conservation Concerns

Concern	Explanation
Nesting Disturbance	Environmentalists fear that tourism activity may disturb the nesting tranquility of Olive Ridley turtles.
Coastal Lighting	Artificial lighting can affect turtle nesting and hatchling movement toward the sea.
Noise and Tourism	Noise, tourist movement, and unmanaged coastal activity can disrupt sensitive nesting habitats.
Fishing Nets	Fishing nets can pose risks to adult turtles in coastal waters.

PT Facts

Arribada: Olive Ridley turtles are known for mass nesting events called arribada.
Gahirmatha: One of the world’s major Olive Ridley nesting sites.
Legal Protection: Olive Ridley turtles are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Threats: Coastal lighting, noise, tourism, and fishing nets can disturb turtle nesting and hatchling movement.

Source:

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