Balasore, June 9: The nesting activity of Olive Ridley turtles has witnessed a significant increase along the Udaypur-Talsari coastline in Bhograi block of Balasore district, bringing cheer to forest officials and environmentalists as well.
Forest officials attribute the encouraging rise in turtle nesting to increased public awareness and stringent conservation measures. While fewer Olive Ridley turtles visited the coast in previous years due to a lack of awareness and protection, this year has seen a remarkable surge in both nesting turtles and eggs laid.
Udaypur-Talsari, one of Odisha’s most popular beaches attracting thousands of tourists from across India and abroad, has been placed under strict surveillance by the Forest Department to ensure the safety of the endangered marine species.
According to official data, only seven Olive Ridley turtles laid around 800 eggs in 2023. The number increased substantially in 2024, with 35 turtles laying 3,575 eggs. This year, however, a record 102 turtles have nested at Udaypur, Muralichhada and Narayan Mohanty Padia Dandi beaches, laying a total of 12,541 eggs.
Jaleswar Acting Ranger Sanjay Kumar Mohanty informed that out of these, 11,997 hatchlings have already emerged and successfully made their way to the sea.
Local fishermen and coastal residents have welcomed the increase in turtle nesting, saying it reflects the improving ecological health of the coastline. Experts note that Olive Ridley turtles help maintain marine biodiversity by feeding on jellyfish, which can otherwise negatively impact fish populations and fishing activities.
Forest officials also pointed out those newly formed sand dunes along the coastline have created favourable nesting conditions, contributing to the rise in turtle numbers. Special conservation measures were undertaken under the guidance of the Balasore Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) and implemented by the Jaleswar forest range staff.
With nesting numbers steadily increasing, environmentalists have urged the government to declare the Udaypur, Talsari and Bichitrapur beaches as a dedicated Olive Ridley Turtle Conservation Zone to ensure long-term protection of the species and its habitat.
The Forest Department remains optimistic that nesting activity will increase even further in the coming years due to continued conservation efforts and community participation.
