Olive Ridley turtles break nesting records at Odisha’s Rushikulya Beach

In a significant development for the wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists, the Rushikulya beach in Odisha’s Ganjam district has recorded unprecedented numbers of Olive Ridley turtles arriving to nest this year, an official source said on Monday.

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The state's Forest Department has implemented various protective measures along the iconic 5km stretch to safeguard these precious nests. Fencing has been erected to act as a barrier against potential threats.

Protection measures taken up by Forest Department

Forest officials are stationed every 50 metres to closely monitor these crucial nesting sites. As the eggs are expected to undergo an incubation period of approximately 40 days, authorities have put in place steps to switch off nearby lights for a week, thus ensuring that hatchlings can head safely towards the ocean.

Meanwhile, Gahirmatha, another vital nesting site in Odisha’s Kendrapara district, is gearing up for its own Olive Ridley mass nesting event, anticipated to commence shortly.

Enhanced security measures are being enforced to ensure the safety of both the turtles and their eggs. Preparations are already in full swing as the turtles begin to make their way to Gahirmatha’s shores.

“Around 7.8 lakh Olive Ridley turtles have congregated this year at Rushikulya Beach for mass nesting. We have fenced the entire breeding ground to facilitate smooth nesting. Forest personnel have been deployed at 50 metres each on a total beach length of about 5 kilometres,” Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF)-Wildlife, Prem Kumar Jha stated while speaking to mediapersons.

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“Hatchlings will come out of the laid eggs nearly after 40 days. Our staff will be there to protect the endangered species. The number of this year’s congregation of the Olive Ridley turtles is a record,” the PCCF expressed.