Greenpeace.in is saving turtles from the Dhamra port.
Title
Tata can save the turtles! http://greenpeace.in/turtle/
Description
A few years ago (2004 to be precise), the TATAs, together with L&T, decided this part of the coast could not be left in its pristine state but would be ‘benefited’ by building one of India’s largest ports at Dhamra. This is less than 15 km. from the turtle mass nesting beaches at Gahirmatha, and just five kilometres from the Bhitarkanika National Park, India’s second largest mangrove forest and home to the saltwater crocodile, aside from other lesser known natural wonders.
Not surprisingly, the plan immediately met with considerable protest from conservation circles. Added to this were the social dimensions. Concerned about the impacts from this project on the local environment and therefore their livelihoods, the Orissa Traditional Fishworker’s Union, who represent the concerns and interests of over 100,000 fishermen, vocally and publicly opposed the construction of the port.
None of this made a difference to the TATAs however, and in 2007, construction at the port site commenced. Perhaps coincidentally, the 2007-2008 turtle season saw no mass nesting at Gahirmatha.
Greenpeace cyberactivists are calling on Tata to relocate the Dhamra port. Only Tata can save the turtles!
Languages
English
Additional Information
- 10-year old environmental assessment replete with errors and omissions.
- Project has been criticized by over 30 members of the IUCN's marine turtle specialist group.
- Study of the port location environment commissioned by Greenpeace.
