Odisha releases WII-Adani Foundation Olive Ridley turtle study report
Synopsis
Odisha's Olive Ridley turtle satellite tracking has resumed after nearly 15 years, backed by a three-way partnership of WII, the Adani Foundation, and the state's wildlife body. The first-year findings, released by the state government, lay the groundwork for evidence-based conservation across two of the world's most important mass-nesting beaches.
Key Takeaways
The Odisha government released the first-year report of a three-year Olive Ridley turtle research initiative on 3 October 2026 .
The study is led by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in partnership with the Odisha Wildlife Organisation , DPCL (Adani Ports) , and the Adani Foundation .
Satellite tracking of Olive Ridley turtles in Odisha has resumed after a gap of nearly 15 years .
Key nesting sites covered include Gahirmatha (Kendrapara) and Rushikulya (Ganjam), among the world's most significant mass-nesting beaches.
The Adani Foundation works across 283 villages in seven districts of Odisha, spanning health, education, and livelihood programmes.
The Odisha government on Saturday, 3 October 2026, released the first-year findings of a three-year research initiative on Olive Ridley turtles, jointly undertaken by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), the Odisha Wildlife Organisation, Dhamra Port Co Ltd (DPCL) — a subsidiary of Adani Ports — and the Adani Foundation. The report marks the revival of satellite tracking of the species in Odisha after nearly 15 years.
What the Study Covers
The research draws on satellite telemetry, boat-based surveys, and shoreline analysis to chart how Olive Ridley turtles navigate Odisha's coastal waters and use key nesting habitats. Dr R Suresh Kumar, Senior Scientist at WII's Department of Endangered Species Management, described the partnership as enabling 'new insights into the movement patterns and habitat use of these turtles.'
Kumar added that the findings provide 'a scientific foundation for evidence-based conservation planning,' and that the team plans to track additional turtles to build a more robust dataset for long-term management strategies.
Key Nesting Sites Under Focus
Odisha is home to some of the world's most ecologically significant Olive Ridley nesting grounds. Gahirmatha in Kendrapara district and Rushikulya in Ganjam district are among the most critical mass-nesting beaches globally. The species is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, affording it the highest tier of legal protection in India.
What the Adani Foundation Said
Dr Priti Adani, Chairperson of the Adani Foundation, stated that 'The Olive Ridley is an important part of Odisha's natural heritage and protecting it requires a deeper understanding of its journey.' She expressed satisfaction in supporting WII's scientific work and noted that the Odisha government's conservation focus, under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, provides 'a strong foundation for such pioneering work.'
Dr Abhishek Lakhtakia, Chief Executive Officer of the Adani Foundation, represented the organisation at the event.
Adani Foundation's Odisha Footprint
The Adani Foundation has operated in Odisha for nearly a decade, with programmes spanning 283 villages across seven districts. Its work covers education and scholarships, healthcare through wellness centres and mobile medical units, livelihood support for farmers and women, and community infrastructure including roads, drinking water, sanitation, and rural electrification.
Government Response
Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, Minister of State for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, formally released the report. This comes amid growing international attention on India's coastal biodiversity and the government's broader commitments under environmental frameworks. The three-year initiative is expected to produce progressively richer datasets, with its final-year report anticipated to anchor future conservation policy for the species along Odisha's coastline.
Point of View
It also raises questions about independence and publication control that the report does not yet address. Odisha's nesting beaches face compounding pressures from fishing nets, vessel traffic, and coastal development — the study's value will ultimately depend on whether its findings translate into enforceable management measures rather than remain a corporate social responsibility document.
NationPress
3 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the WII-Adani Foundation Olive Ridley turtle study in Odisha?
It is a three-year scientific research initiative led by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), in partnership with the Odisha Wildlife Organisation, Dhamra Port Co Ltd, and the Adani Foundation, studying the movement patterns and nesting habitat use of Olive Ridley turtles along Odisha's coast. The first-year report was officially released by the Odisha government on 3 October 2026.
Why is the Olive Ridley turtle significant to Odisha?
Odisha hosts two of the world's most important Olive Ridley mass-nesting sites — Gahirmatha in Kendrapara district and Rushikulya in Ganjam district. The species is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, giving it the highest level of legal protection in India.
What methods does the study use to track Olive Ridley turtles?
The study uses satellite telemetry, boat-based surveys, and shoreline analysis to track turtle movement and understand habitat use. It marks the return of satellite tracking of the species in Odisha after a gap of nearly 15 years.
Who released the first-year report and who attended the event?
Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, Minister of State for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, formally released the report. Dr Abhishek Lakhtakia, CEO of the Adani Foundation, attended on behalf of the Adani Group's social welfare arm.
What is the Adani Foundation's broader work in Odisha?
The Adani Foundation has been active in Odisha for nearly a decade, running programmes across 283 villages in seven districts. Its work covers education and scholarships, healthcare through wellness centres and mobile medical units, livelihood support for farmers and women, and community infrastructure such as roads, drinking water, sanitation, and rural electrification.
