Sat Feb 01 06:47:19 IST 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Faces NGT Scrutiny Over Olive Ridley Turtle Deaths

**Chennai, February 1, 2025** – The Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sharply criticized the Tamil Nadu government’s response to the mass mortality of Olive Ridley sea turtles along the Chennai and Chengalpattu coasts. The NGT expressed its displeasure over the lack of proactive measures to curb the deaths, stating that prosecution should have followed, not preceded, efforts to stop the die-off.

A report submitted by the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department cited the unavailability of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) and the need for a standardized design as reasons for not enforcing a 2015 government order mandating their use in trawl nets during turtle nesting season (November-April). The department also contradicted a 2016 order prohibiting mechanized fishing within five nautical miles of nesting sites.

The NGT noted the discrepancy between the department’s reports highlighting awareness programs and the fact that only 24 fishing boats in Chennai have been charged for non-compliance with regulations. The Bench questioned the lack of action despite the alarming situation, noting the passage of over 10 days without significant government intervention to halt the turtle deaths or determine their cause. Despite media reports of autopsies, no such reports were provided to the tribunal.

The possibility of the turtle carcasses originating from Andhra Pradesh has also been raised. To investigate this, the NGT has directed both Tamil Nadu’s Fisheries Department and Andhra Pradesh’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to submit reports by February 7th. Further, Tamil Nadu authorities have been instructed to provide daily reports on turtle deaths since January 17th, along with details of actions taken to prevent further mortalities. The NGT’s strong rebuke underscores the urgent need for effective conservation measures to protect the endangered Olive Ridley turtles.

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