Cyclothon in Odisha on World Turtle Day

Berhampur: On the occasion of “World Turtle Day”, a Cyclothon was organised today by the Forest Department in Berhampur to create awareness.

The regional development council of Gunthabandha and the Boxing team jointly took part in the event to sensitise people on protection of turtles.

Last month, thousands of Olive Ridley turtles returned to the Rushikulya River mouth for the second time this season, indicating a change in their nesting pattern.

According to reports, around 10,000 sea turtles had arrived for mass nesting in the second phase.

Forest department, Rushikulya Kaincha Surakhya Samiti and local villagers have taken the responsibility of protecting these turtles.

Divisional Forest Officer of Berhampur, Ashish Behera, said, “Some caution should be maintained while watching the turtles and it is not being followed. Due to ignorance, people are committing various mistakes. Our aim is to create awareness among the public so that these turtles can safely come here and lay eggs.”