Operation Oliva

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has launched ‘Operation Oliva’. This operation has been launched in order to protect the endangered Olive Ridley turtles in Odisha.

How this operation would be carried?

• Two ships have been deployed in the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary of Rushikulya beach and Devi river mouth.
• These ships will look after the major nesting sites of the turtles.
• The coast guards would prevent the entry of fishing vessels into the prohibited zone.
• Apart from the ships, an aircraft has also been pressed as the part of the operation.
• Indian Coast Guard is working in coordination with the Forest department, fishery officials and marine police and keeping eyes on the illegal fishing in the restricted zone.

About Operation Oliva

Operation Olive was launched by the Union government in the year 1999. It was launched to protect the marine species. The ICG headquarters at Paradip launches this operation every year off the Odisha coast.

Indian Coast Guard (ICG)

It is an Armed Force, Search and Rescue and Maritime Law Enforcement agency. The ICG was established in the year 1978 with the motive of protecting India’s maritime interests and enforce its maritime law. It works under the parent head of Ministry of Defence. The Coast Guard works in close cooperation with the Indian Navy, the Department of Fisheries and Department of Revenue (Customs). It also works in coordination with the Central and State police forces. It is also the nodal agency to protect the environment in the coastal areas of India.

Olive Ridley sea turtle

Its scientific name is Lepidochelys olivacea. The turtle is also known as the Pacific Ridley sea turtle. It belongs to the family Cheloniidae. The species is the second smallest turtle in the world. It is also the most abundant of all sea turtles. The turtle is found in warm and tropical waters. It is commonly found in Pacific Ocean, Indian Oceans and warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean.