The Union Budget’s proposal to develop 'turtle trails' at key Olive Ridley sea turtle nesting sites along Odisha's coast has raised strong concerns among conservationists and researchers. These ‘mass nesting’ events, called arribadas, are rare worldwide and vital for the endangered turtles. Odisha hosts the world’s largest mass nesting grounds for Olive Ridleys, mainly at Gahirmatha in Kendrapara and Rushikulya in Ganjam. Gahirmatha is off-limits due to its proximity to India's missile testing center, while Rushikulya sees limited visitors to protect the turtles. In February last year, a record seven lakh Olive Ridley turtles laid eggs in Rushikulya over eight days. But experts warn that tourism near these sites is risky. B.C. Choudhary, a leading Olive Ridley researcher said, "Under no circumstances, neither people nor light should go to mass nesting sites. There is no ambiguity in the approach." He added that areas of mass nesting are strictly 'no-go' zones worldwide and that photography or flashlights are never allowed. Wildlife activist Biswajit Mohanty, who has studied Olive Ridleys for 40 years, also raised red flags. He said, "There has been ample evidence that ecotourism causes harm to nature," pointing to uncontrolled tourism that disturbs rare Irrawaddy dolphins in Chilika Lake. "If a turtle trail for tourism is set up, it will disrupt the calm and conditions vital for nesting," Mohanty warned. He stressed only very limited visitors under strict rules should ever be allowed. He expressed concern that no public consultations occurred before the Budget announcement and said government efforts should focus on conservation, not tourism. Mohanty noted that government speed boats meant to enforce fishing bans during turtle mating were not in use. When contacted, Chief Wildlife Warden P.K. Jha declined to comment on the issue.