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APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 18/4/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (18-04-2025).

📝 Mains Question (GS Paper 3 – Environment & Biodiversity | Governance | Science & Tech)

“Tracking the Olive Ridley’s 3,600 km journey is a scientific breakthrough, but ensuring their survival needs much more than data.”
Critically examine the threats to Olive Ridley turtles in India and suggest a comprehensive strategy for their long-term conservation.

✅ Model Answer

🔹 Introduction

The Olive Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), known for its spectacular mass nesting events (arribada), recently completed a 3,600 km migratory journey from Odisha to Maharashtra — tracked using satellite telemetry. While this showcases the success of marine tracking technologies, the species continues to face severe ecological threats, requiring coordinated conservation strategies.

🔹 Why Olive Ridley Conservation Matters

Aspect	Significance
Ecological Role	Controls jellyfish populations, maintains seagrass and coral health.
Cultural Value	Revered in coastal traditions; associated with festivals and folk narratives.
Global Significance	Part of India’s commitment under UNCLOS and CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity).
Indicator Species	Their survival reflects the health of marine ecosystems.

🔹 Key Threats to Olive Ridleys in India

Threat	Explanation
Bycatch in Fishing Nets	Thousands die due to accidental entanglement in trawl and gill nets.
Coastal Development	Ports, resorts, and infrastructure disturb nesting beaches (e.g., Gahirmatha).
Light Pollution	Artificial lighting disorients hatchlings, reducing survival chances.
Marine Pollution	Plastic ingestion often fatal; mimics prey like jellyfish.
Illegal Egg Collection	Eggs harvested for consumption or trade in certain coastal regions.
Climate Change	Alters sand temperature, affecting hatchling sex ratios and nesting frequency.

🔹 Conservation Efforts Taken

Operation Olivia: Coast Guard patrols nesting beaches to protect turtles during breeding.
Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs): Mandated for trawl boats to reduce turtle mortality.
Marine Turtle Action Plan (2021–2026): MoEFCC scheme for turtle habitat protection.
Satellite Tagging by ZSI & WII: Enhances understanding of migration, nesting cycles.
Community Involvement: NGOs like Tree Foundation and local volunteers monitor nesting sites.
Beach Fencing & Hatchery Relocation: Done in Rushikulya and other Odisha coasts.

🔹 Gaps in Current Approach

Weak enforcement of TED usage and coastal regulation norms.
Poor coordination among Centre, states, and coastal fishers.
Insufficient awareness and local incentives for turtle-safe practices.
Limited coverage of Marine Protected Areas and zoning.
Data often not used for adaptive policy feedback.

🔹 Way Forward: A Comprehensive Conservation Strategy

1. Strengthen Legal Enforcement

Penalize non-compliance with TED norms under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Monitor illegal construction along CRZ zones using drones.

2. Expand Marine Conservation Zones

Map migratory routes using tracking data and declare new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
Prioritize multi-state collaboration for shared marine corridors.

3. Community-Based Eco-Conservation

Empower local fisherwomen groups to act as beach monitors.
Promote eco-tourism models that benefit communities while conserving turtles.

4. Technology-Enabled Protection

Use AI and drone-based monitoring for poaching, light pollution, and hatchling movement.
Real-time alerts to fishing boats via SMS on turtle movement zones.

5. Ocean Literacy in Schools

Introduce marine conservation education in coastal districts.
Collaborate with CSIR and ZSI to develop local-language conservation materials.

🔹 Conclusion

The Olive Ridley’s journey is a triumph of science, but conservation must go beyond tracking. India must build a science-backed, community-driven, and law-enforced marine protection model — one that ensures these ancient navigators survive not just the oceans, but the onslaught of human activity and climate change.

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