Conservationists Raise Concerns Over ‘Turtle Trails’ | 04 Feb 2026

Source: TH 

The Union Budget 2026–27 proposal to develop ‘turtle trails’ along key turtle nesting sites in Odisha, Karnataka and Kerala, has triggered concerns among conservationists. 

• Turtle trails are designated coastal pathways and viewing infrastructure intended to promote regulated ecotourism around turtle nesting sites. 
• Conservationists argue that introducing turtle trails threatens the darkness and tranquility essential for mass nesting and that policy efforts should prioritise robust conservation enforcement, including habitat protection and effective regulation of fishing activities, over tourism-driven initiatives.

Olive Ridley Turtle 

• Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea): It belongs to the class Reptilia and family Cheloniidae, is the smallest sea turtle species, recognized by its olive or grayish-green color and heart-shaped carapace. 
• Behaviour (Arribada): Olive Ridleys are omnivores and exhibit arribada, a mass nesting event where thousands of females nest together. 
  • Olive Ridley turtles inhabit warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans and undertake long-distance migrations of up to 9,000 km between feeding and breeding grounds, nesting 1–3 times between December and March and laying about 100 eggs per clutch. 
• Nesting Sites: Gahirmatha and Rushikulya in Odisha are among the world’s largest nesting sites for Olive Ridley turtles. 
  • Gahirmatha is a strict no-go zone due to proximity to the Integrated Test Range, while Rushikulya has faced disturbances in the past, leading to visitor restrictions. 
  • Other important nesting sites in India include the Devi River mouth in Odisha and the Andaman Islands. 
• Threats: Poaching of meat, shell and eggs, and accidental entanglement in trawl and gill nets during breeding season. India mandates Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in trawl nets to reduce mortality. 
• Protection: Listed as Vulnerable (IUCN), under CITES Appendix I, and Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.