Prized red crabs in lush coastline of Odisha’s Balasore facing survival threat

The prized red crabs that inhabit Balasore's lush coastline face a survival threat, sparking concerns among environmentalists and tourists alike. Experts warn that these unique crabs, which have become a major draw for visitors from across India, are diminishing in number due to unregulated vehicular traffic and chemical pollution in the seawater.

Balasore's two notable beaches, Udaipur and Talasari, are well-known for their picturesque landscapes. Here, the approximately 3-kilometre stretch of sand is not just a haven for tourists, but also a crucial habitat for these crabs. Their presence adds to the natural beauty and ecological balance of the region.

However, visitors who travel great distances to watch these crabs scuttle charmingly across the beaches are increasingly left disappointed. The decline in the crab population is largely attributed to vehicles traversing these areas unchecked, compounding the issue with chemical residues seeping into the seawater.

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“Due to various reasons, red crabs do not have enough food. As a fisherman, I know that we should provide them with food like salty fish or dead frogs which they consume. Providing them with food is the only solution to increase their numbers,” Abani Patayat, a local said.

Similarly, another local, Bhagban Behera said, “Tourists are given bike or four-wheeler rides on the beaches in the name of tourist pleasure that destroy the home of red crabs. The red crabs are killed under the wheels of the vehicles. So, our demand is that these vehicles be banned from entering the beach area.”

The unmitigated contamination from chemical runoff is making the ocean waters toxic. This toxicity is deadly for the red crabs, raising alarms about their potential extinction. These crabs play an indispensable role in the beach ecosystem, consuming decaying organic matter, such as fish carcasses, which keeps the environment odour-free and balanced.

 “They are not just to add to the beauty of the sea beach. They are also a blessing to nature as they help maintain the balance of the environment. They consume dead aquatic animals in the sea and make beaches free of bad smells. The government should immediately put a ban on movements of people in areas accommodating red crabs,” another local demanded. 

When contacted, Balasore DFO Khuswant Singh said, “Maybe because of tourist footfall, there has been a little threat to red crabs. We have also directed our officials to ensure the safety of the red crabs. Heavy vehicles have also been banned from driving on the sea beaches.”