Bhubaneswar: A distressing scene unfolded at Haripur beach in Ganjam district today as local residents discovered more than 50 endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles lying dead since morning. Stray dogs were seen feeding on the carcasses, adding to the grim sight during the nesting period.
The deaths come as the annual mass nesting season for Olive Ridley turtles gains momentum along Odisha’s coast. Questions are mounting over the cause, with no clear indication yet whether the fatalities resulted from natural factors, bycatch in fishing nets, pollution, or other threats.
Forest and wildlife officials are yet to conduct detailed post-mortems or investigations, but such incidents raise serious concerns about conservation efforts during this vulnerable phase when thousands of turtles arrive to lay eggs.
In contrast, the nearby Rushikulya river mouth continues to report successful nesting activity. Favourable weather conditions have supported robust egg-laying, with over 10,000 nests recorded so far in the area.
