Forest Department Readies for Olive Ridley Turtle Mass Nesting at Rushikulya
In anticipation of the mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles expected in the second or third week of this month near the Rushikulya river mouth, forest officials in Odisha have intensified their preparations to ensure a smooth and protected nesting process.
Comprehensive Site Preparation and Security Measures
Dibya Shankar Behera, assistant conservator of forest (ACF) for Khallikote, detailed the extensive efforts underway. "A 5-kilometer stretch of the nesting site has been thoroughly cleaned, and fencing work is set to be completed within the next few days," he stated. The area will be fully enclosed to maintain an undisturbed environment and prevent visitor interference, crucial for the turtles' safety.
To support the nesting, the forest department has established three hatcheries at Bateshwar, Purunabandh, and Podampeta. These facilities are designed to preserve eggs following sporadic nesting events. Additionally, six temporary monitoring camps have been set up at strategic locations:
- Prayagi
- Podampeta
- Gokharakuda
- Purunabandh
- Sidhartha Nagar
- Bateswar
Each camp is staffed with at least four forest personnel operating round-the-clock to monitor turtle safety. "We are preparing on a massive scale to welcome the Olive Ridley turtles for mass nesting, similar to previous years," Behera emphasized.
Historical Context and Nesting Expectations
Last year, mass nesting commenced on February 15, with approximately 9.2 lakh turtles laying eggs in two phases. The first phase saw over 5.37 lakh Olive Ridleys nesting, followed by more than 3.83 lakh in the second phase from March 21 to March 30.
Rabindra Nath Sahu, secretary of the Rushikulya Sea Turtle Protection Committee, provided insights into this year's prospects. "We anticipate mass nesting to occur about 45 days after mating, which took place in the sea during the first week of January," he explained. Sahu noted that the beach profile is favorable this time, with no erosion due to the absence of floods in the Rushikulya river this year.
It is noteworthy that mass nesting did not occur in several past years, including 2002, 2007, 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2024, highlighting the variability and significance of this annual event.
Commitment to Wildlife Conservation
The proactive measures by forest officials and local committees underscore a dedicated commitment to protecting this endangered species. The combination of fencing, hatcheries, and vigilant monitoring aims to create an optimal environment for the Olive Ridley turtles, ensuring their nesting process is both successful and secure.
