Bhubaneswar: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget 2026–27 has earmarked a specific allocation of 450 crore rupees for the development of the wildlife tourism circuits, which includes the turtle trails at Gahirmatha and Rushikulya. This funding is part of a larger 2,500 crore rupee package dedicated to the Promotion of Eco-Tourism and Coastal Circuit Development across the country.
The 450 crore rupee portion for Odisha is intended to build low-impact viewing galleries, research stations, and community-run information centers that do not disturb the nesting turtles. These funds will also be used to upgrade local infrastructure, such as solar-powered lighting systems that utilize specific wavelengths of light that do not disorient hatchlings as they make their way to the sea.
In addition to the tourism-specific funds, the budget provides a separate grant of 120 crore rupees for the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to enhance drone surveillance and satellite monitoring of these nesting sites. This is aimed at preventing illegal fishing and poaching during the peak Arribada season. The investment is expected to generate approximately 15,000 direct and indirect jobs for local fishing communities, transitioning them into roles such as eco-guides and conservation wardens.