The much-awaited hatching season of Olive Ridley turtles has commenced at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha’s Ganjam district, marking a spectacular natural event as thousands of baby turtles emerged from their sandy nests and instinctively crawled toward the sea.
According to Dibya Shankar Behera, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) and in-charge of the Khallikote Forest Range, the mass hatching began on Thursday and is expected to continue for the next four to five days. “We are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of the hatchlings during their journey to the ocean,” he said.
This year, the rookery witnessed a record number of nesting Olive Ridley turtles. From February 16 to 23, around 6.98 lakh turtles laid eggs in the first phase, followed by another 2.05 lakh in the second phase from March 22 to 27, along a five-kilometre stretch between Podampeta and Bateswar.
To safeguard the baby turtles from predators such as jackals, wild dogs, and hyenas, the Forest Department has fenced the entire area. Local volunteers have also joined hands with forest officials to monitor the beach and guide the hatchlings toward the sea.
In addition, the Forest Department has urged nearby industrial units, Gopalpur Port, and local civic bodies to dim street lights during the night to prevent the hatchlings from being disoriented by artificial lighting and ensure they head safely toward the sea.
The annual event is not just a natural wonder but a reflection of Odisha’s successful conservation efforts and community participation in wildlife protection.
