New directives focus on coordination, accountability, and the installation of Turtle Excluder Devices to curb turtle mortality.
In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India has issued comprehensive directives aimed at bolstering the conservation of endangered sea turtles along the Indian coastline. The decision comes as a response to the rampant mortality of sea turtles, which are vital to marine ecosystems, and underscores the need for effective conservation measures.
The judgment, delivered by a bench comprising Justices Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha and Atul S. Chandurkar, focuses on addressing the inefficiencies in current conservation efforts and calls for the establishment of a robust framework to ensure the protection of these marine creatures.
The court emphasized the crucial role of sea turtles in maintaining marine ecosystems and the dire need for enhanced conservation efforts. It directed the formation of a National Nodal Officer under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to oversee and coordinate conservation measures at the national level. Additionally, State and Union Territory Coordination Committees are to be established, headed by Chief Wildlife Wardens, to implement state-specific conservation strategies.
Significantly, the court mandated the installation and operationalization of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in fishing vessels under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The directive includes financial support and a clear timeline for implementation, aiming for 100% compliance within two years.
The judgment also stipulates the formulation of State-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to address the primary causes of turtle mortality, including by catch in fishing nets and loss of nesting grounds. Regular monitoring, reporting, and accountability measures have been put in place to ensure the effective enforcement of these directives.
The court's decision highlights the diffusion of responsibility as a significant barrier to conservation efforts, and these new measures aim to streamline roles and obligations across different governmental levels. The Supreme Court will receive bi-annual reports from the National Nodal Officer to monitor progress and ensure adherence to the directives until 2027.
This judgment marks a pivotal step in marine wildlife conservation in India, aiming to safeguard the future of sea turtles and uphold the country's commitment to biodiversity conservation.
Statutory provision(s): Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notifications of 2011 and 2019, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, National Marine Turtle Action Plan (2021-2026), National Wildlife Action Plan 2017-2031.
Arnav Sinha v. State of West Bengal, (SC) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2827329
