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Name Email Comments Why facts are being twisted on Dhamra Port to stop Orissa's development ?????? The major port in Dhamra was initiated in way back in 1999 and but the earlier Dhamra port was as old as 1931 and it was operating till 1947. The current port limit of Dhamra port was defined way back in 1931. It seems that Greenpeace, India is deliberately trying to spread a maligned misinformation campaign against the upcoming Dhamra port with ulterior motives to stop Orissa development, which can be seen from the following motives:- 1. Although the major port at Dhamra was finalized in 1998 and groundwork was initiated in 1999, but Greenpeace, India never raised its objections till 2004. They also did not filed their objections during the environment clearance nor with the National Appellate Authority. What are the reasons for Greenpeace India to suddenly start opposing Dhamra Port after 2004 although the port work was started in 1999? 2. As per various studies of Govt of India and Government of Odisha, the state is having three nesting and mating places along the state coast namely Gahirmatha, mouth of River Debi and Mouth of River Rusikulya. As per studies of Wild Life Institute of India ( a Government of India institute) in 1994, the Odisha coast, which is north of Dhamra river ( Dhamra port is north of Dhamra river) is shallow and muddy is nature and is unfit for turtle mating and nesting. Why is Greenpeace, India trying to prove that the upcoming Dhamra port is going to harm the Olive Ridley Turtle inspite of the Govt of India's report as old as 14 years back ( much before Dhamra major port was conceived) 3. As per WWF ( a UN based organisation) banning of ship and trawler movement needs to done during the turtle breeding and mating period of 45 days on a 20 km radius of turtle breeding grounds in Odisha namely at Gahirmatha, mouth of Debi river and mouth of Rusikulya river. The following are some of the facts of the ports in Odisha with regard to the above breeding grounds:- ø The existing Paradip port is located about 30 km ( sea coast distance) from the Gahirmatha breeding ground. But it may be noted that turtles travel from south to north, so they pass through the activity area of Paradip port to reach Gahirmatha breeding place. It may further be noted that there is no visible obstacles between Gahirmatha breeding ground and Paradip port . Further Debi river mouth's turtle breeding place is also located 30 km south of Paradip port. ø The upcoming Dhamra port is also located 30 km ( sea coast distance) from Gahirmatha. But there is 3 major obstacles between the 2 locations. They are Mahipura River, Kanika Sands and Dhamra River ( in order of South to North). The upcoming Dhamra port is north of Dhamra river. Further the DRDO is also located between the 2 locations. Due to these obstacles the turtles do not cross the Mahipura river as per a observation of last 20 years. It may also be noted that there is no mating and breeding area of olive ridley turtles north to the upcoming Dhamra port. From the above points, it is absolutely clear that the location of Dhamra port is the most safe location vis-à-vis turtle traveling, mating and nesting ground. Why is Greenpeace, India and other pseudo organizations are not presenting the above true facts to the public? On the other hand they are twisting facts against the port at Dhamra. The port is almost more than 35% complete. Some local vested interests with foreign funding and Greenpeace are trying their best to stop the port. This port is going to provide livelihood to more than 50,000 families particularly the coastal community. We Odias know what is required for our development. As foreign organizations and foreign funded agencies, please do not meddle with our development.   Please enter the verification code   Please enter key in the above code as it appears in the box. All letters are in capital.