Bhubaneswar: In a remarkable phenomenon, nearly 5 lakh endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles have arrived in Rushikulya river mouth for their annual mass nesting. This year’s arrival has set an all-time record, with approximately 6,50,000 turtles descending upon the Rushikulya shore.
According to Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Prem Kumar Jha, the mass nesting commenced over a week ago and is expected to continue for another four to five days. The total number of nesting turtles is anticipated to reach between 7,00,000 to 7,50,000 at Rushikulya beach this year.
Meanwhile, the Indian Coast Guard has launched “Operation Oliva” to ensure the safe passage of the turtles during their breeding and nesting period. As part of the operation, coastal patrolling has been intensified to protect the endangered species.
Quoting survey reports by the Odisha forest department, Coast Guard officials informed that over 5,55,638 eggs have been safely laid by the Olive Ridley turtles at Rushikulya and Devi River mouth. This collective conservation effort marks a significant milestone in wildlife protection.
The Indian Coast Guard has been providing continuous assistance to central and state authorities for the protection of endangered species under the Wildlife Act, 1972, since 1991.
