New Delhi, Feb 1: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, presenting the Union Budget 2026-27, on Sunday said the Centre will establish “turtle trails” along major nesting sites in coastal areas of Odisha, Karnataka and Kerala as part of its efforts to promote ecologically sustainable tourism.

The initiative aims to balance conservation with visitor engagement by creating guided trails near coastal habitats where endangered sea turtles’ nest.

Odisha’s Gahirmatha and Rushikulya beaches, known globally for mass olive ridley turtle nesting, are expected to be central to this project.

By offering eco-friendly trails, the Union government seeks to raise awareness about marine biodiversity while ensuring minimal disturbance to fragile ecosystems. The trails will also provide livelihood opportunities for local communities through eco-tourism, conservation-linked employment and research partnerships.

This announcement comes as Sitharaman presented her ninth consecutive budget under the Narendra Modi-led government, a record in independent India. The focus on turtle trails reflects the broader emphasis on sustainable development and environmental stewardship in national planning.

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Odisha’s inclusion in the scheme highlights its critical role in marine conservation, with the state’s coastline serving as one of the world’s largest nesting grounds for olive ridley turtles. The initiative is expected to strengthen India’s global standing in biodiversity protection while offering visitors a unique ecological experience.