Launch

• It is proposed in the Union Budget 2026 to be established along key nesting sites in the coastal areas of Odisha, Karnataka, and Kerala.

How is a good initiative?

• The existing mechanisms of local and NGO involvement in turtle conservation if regularised will greatly benefit local communities.

Turtles in India

• Five species of sea turtles are found in Indian: Olive Ridley, Green, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, and Leatherback.
• Odisha coast (Gahirmatha, Devi River mouth, Rushikulya) is famous for the arribada (mass nesting) of Olive Ridley turtles.
• Threats: Killed for meat. Eggs and used as pets.

Key difference between turtle and tortoise

• Turtles spends all its time in water and only comes to land to lay eggs while Tortoise spends all its life on land.

Source: The Hindu