This was stated after a meeting of the high-power committee chaired by chief secretary P K Jena in Bhubaneswar. The annual plan for Olive Ridley mass nesting was also finalised at the meeting.

According to sources, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was requested not to carry out any missile testing during the mass nesting period as it could affect the breeding and nesting of the sea turtles.

The DRDO was also urged to nominate a nodal officer for better coordination with the Forest department during the nesting period of the sea turtles. The state government also asked collectors and SPs of coastal districts to cooperate with DFOs concerned for protection of Olive Ridley turtles.

Under the plan, the Home department will deploy seven sections of APR force for joint sea patrolling with forest staff during the sea turtle nesting season as per requisition of DFOs of Berhampur, Bhadrak, Puri and Rajnagar Mangrove Forest (Wildlife) divisions.