Ganjam: The much-awaited mass nesting of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles has begun at Rushikulya river mouth of Ganjam district. It is expected that a record number of turtles have arrived this year for nesting that started from February 20.
The mass nesting of the Olive Ridley sea turtles at Rushikulya river mouth generally starts from the first week of November till January. The hatchlings come out of the eggs nearly after 45 days.
Every year the state government imposes a ban on fishing activities with the use of mechanised trawlers along the coast during mass nesting of the Olive Ridley turtles. This year also various measures have been adopted to ensure safety of the endangered species with help of forest department officials, civil society members and locals.
"We have set up eight artificial hatcheries so that the eggs of the turtles will not be damaged. Besides, wherever sporadic nesting is taking place we have adopted measures to take the eggs to a safe place," said Berhampur DFO Ashish Kumar Behera.
Meanwhile, tourists as well as local visitors have thronged the Rushikulya river mouth to catch a glimpse of the rare sight.