Great to see Greenpeace India rolling out a site using Google’s new open social tools.
Tata can save the turtles - The story so far
It’s hard to say when the story began, but it was certainly long before any one around today was even born… sea turtles have been nesting at Gahirmatha on the Orissa coast for hundreds, possibly thousands of years. But if we don’t act now, we could see this change within a decade – an eye blink in geological timescales. The Dhamra port near Gahirmatha will push the endangered olive ridley sea turtle closer to the slippery edge of extinction.
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.
Red more about the campaign against the Tata’s new port here
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
I have heard a lot about Tata. They are very respected in india and they know thier responsibility as a indian company. Indians should protest against it, I am sure they will come up with good solution.
I can\’t speak Intelligently about the Tata\’s and their policies, but I can tell by the
way things are,that a lot of people are looking to cash in their popular brand through
innumerable attempts to get their attention.
I agree, they have contributed a lot to our country\’s development and are looking at sustainable development of the Dhamra Port
Sustained Development is the philosophy of most large corporate houses. We need to support develpment backed by such organisations
Hi Sandy,
Iam sure u have heard of Tata but I sure know that ur understanding of the issue is a little less.
One:The Indians can\’t protest against it as the people of dhamra are indians too and they want the port to come up so that they can earn their livelihood.
Two: If u are sure of tatas coming up with a good solution then why the protest.
Three: If u know that they are respected and they know there responsibility as an Indian company then why not trust them.
I think u are a little confused!
I think u should read more before writing.
Hey, it’s nice to know that you know what you are talking about and have done your homework.
Now for a change may be YOU should go through this site (http://www.eco-dhamra.com/) for further clarifications.
And NO I’m not an employee of TATA … BUT am an Oriya… meaning I and my entire clan has been there for generations… so I KNOW what you are JUST talking about…
Maybe you should also check out this site (http://www.aamaraodisha.com/)…
To know the TRUE picture of all the happenings
I agree with Anitha, I am an Oriya too… I understand what Jugular Bean is trying to say, as my forefathers were all fishermen and we could grow only because MOTHER NATURE wanted us to blossom.
But I still don’t understand HOW is the Dhamra Port affecting the arribada of the Olive Ridley Turtles… its miles away.
The government of India, with the support of industry, is trying very hard to create an equitable society. Greenpeace must understand this and stop holding the growth of Orrisa hostage and must return to the negotiation tables with wasting any more time and creating a pathetic hue and cry.
The development phenomenon that DPCL holds is more significant in the rural areas as it can help eradicate the social evils like, unemployment, illiteracy, lack of medical help, poverty. The development of the people has to go hand in hand with the preservation of the environment which is our only life support system. Therefore an organization as reputed as that will never overlook a crucial aspect as the arribada of the Olive Ridley Turtles.
I think TATAs are doing a gr8 job. They are increasing opportunities in Orissa as well as taken necessary measures for the nesting period.
This project is one big step for orissa as a state cause its TATA and L&T coming together for this land mark project so if this completes there will be more development here…
Would like to share the news about Record Mass Nesting of Olive Ridley turtles in Gahirmatha beach this year inspite of Dhamra Port construction…
http://www.sakaaltimes.com/2009/03/25131926/Annual-rendezvous-of-Olive-Rid.html
http://www.eco-dhamra.com/environment/olive-ridely-turtle/mass-nesting-2009.asp
A funny youtube video about turtles nesting in India. ENJOY!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uCWK9ube1k
According to Greenpeace, Dhamra port project will directly affect the Olive Ridley turtles, their mating, nesting etc. however found this video worth sharing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-10fqlbU5U
Even after huge Greenpeace propaganda, turtles came back for nesting at Gahirmatha beach, which is located near Dhamra port project.
Like to share few more stories:
http://news.outlookindia.com/item.aspx?654147
http://futureberhampur.blogspot.com/2009/05/olive-ridley-turtles-hatchlings-emerge.html
I think Greenpeace problem lies here: “After all, Tata has grown from a national giant into an international player”
Have a look at http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=41645784174&topic=305078
Its says:
“It may be noted that IUCN and the MTSG (Marine Turtle Scientific Group) scientists working with the group have clearly stated that dredging operations for Dhamra does not and will not affect the Olive Ridley Turtles in Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary and its periphery area. For more details log on to - http://scienceoremotion.blogspot.com“
Greenpeace to see exclusive olive ridley turtles video shared by DPCL:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzFBQbEN0vA
Know more about Dhamra Port Project
“It is sad that we first decide a villain and then find the proof to crucify them, when our concern could be about the turtles and people of Orissa and finding out ways so that both prosper.” - Cyber activist blogger’s viewpoint on Greenpeace and the turtles
Dhamra Port Project is not only concern about the Orissa\\\\\\\’s economy or the society’s betterment but they are also concern about the environmental protection. A very nice video which you will definitely like to share with others
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXJ9×8_sEQQ
Light and lighting are crucial for any industrial project, both during construction and the operational phase. IUCN lighting experts and DPCL are also taking care of implementing lighting safeguards, which would also be turtle safe lighting and would be low pressure sodium vapor lights which have been proven by research to be the least disorienting to turtle hatchlings.
Source: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=296928&id=168851070709
Mr Ratan Tata Chairman of TATA Steel to Greenpeace activists: “I invite you for a discussion and a visit to the port site in Dhamra.”
Tata proved that Tata was always willing to have a best solution for country’s industrial & economical development and they were always ready for solutions.
http://steelguru.com/news/index/2009/08/29/MTA5MDgw/TATA_Steel_invites_Greenpeace_activists_for_talks_on_Dhamra_Port.html
http://www.indopia.in/India-usa-uk-news/latest-news/661058/Business/4/20/4
http://www.newkerala.com/nkfullnews-1-100917.html
At least 170,000 endangered female Olive Ridley turtles have laid their eggs in the protected Gahirmatha sanctuary, a famed nesting site in coastal Orissa, during the past 11 days.
http://www.topnews.in/law/170000-olive-ridley-turtles-lay-eggs-orissas-gahirmatha-210813