Operation Kachhapa is an NGO initiative for the conservation of

Operation Kachhapa is a prominent conservation initiative launched in 1998 by the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI), an NGO, in collaboration with the Odisha State Forest Department. The primary objective of this operation is the protection of the Olive Ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) during their mass nesting season, known as Arribada, along the Odisha coast [1]. The initiative focuses on reducing turtle mortality caused by illegal trawling and fishing activities in prohibited zones. While the Indian government also launched the Sea Turtle Conservation Project in 1999 with UNDP and the Wildlife Institute of India to protect various endangered marine turtles [1], Operation Kachhapa remains a specific, well-known NGO-led effort dedicated to the Olive Ridley population. These turtles are highly migratory and face significant threats from habitat loss and commercial fishing .

Sources

1. [1] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > 16.9.1 Sea.Thrtle Project > p. 243