CHENNAI: With the Olive Ridley nesting season already commenced along the Chennai coast and the sporadic sighting of the carcasses of dead turtles, the state Forest Department on Thursday launched a Marine Elite Force for their protection.
Forest minister RS Rajakannappan launched the force at an initial budget allocation of Rs 96 lakh.
"The specialised force has been formed under the Chennai Wildlife Division to strengthen coastal patrolling, surveillance and enforcement in ecologically sensitive marine areas. The force will focus on protecting endangered marine species, especially the olive ridley turtle, and other protected marine fauna,” according to the department.
The elite force will strictly enforce provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Regular patrols will be carried out along the Chennai coastline, particularly within five nautical miles from the shore, with zero tolerance towards illegal fishing and wildlife crimes.
"Special surveillance will be intensified during the olive ridley turtle nesting and hatching season from November to April. Rapid response teams will also be deployed to handle injuries and mass casualty incidents involving marine species," the release added.
Each patrol boat will have 12 personnel, including a Forester, Forest Guards, Marine Watchers and Marine Boat Drivers.