Latest news with #OliveRidley
Hans India
6 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Turtle research centre sought near Rushikulya river mouth
Berhampur: As Rushikulya river mouth in Ganjam district has emerged as a major rookery for Olive Ridley turtles, wildlife lovers and experts have demanded the establishment of a turtle research centre in the area to study the behaviour of the marine animal. The demand in this regard was made at a meeting observing the 'World Turtle Day' on May 23, at Purunabandh, near the river mouth. The meeting was organised by the Khallikote forest range. 'It's high time the government take steps to expedite the proposal for setting up of turtle research centre near the rookery,' said Rabindra Nath Sahu, secretary, Rushikulya Sea Turtle Protection Committee, an organisation working on conservation and protection of the Olive Ridley turtles. The Forest department has identified around 3.5 acres of government land near Purunabandh for the establishment of the proposed centre, sources said. Many speakers at the meeting said due to the active participation of local people in the protection and conservation of the endangered sea turtles, the Rushikulya river mouth has emerged as a major rookery. A record number of around nine lakh Olive Ridley turtles visited the beach for mass nesting in two phases this year. While 6, 98,698 Olive Ridleys had laid eggs on the beach in their first phase of mass nesting from February 16 to 23 in the 5-km stretch from Podampeta to Bateswar, over 2.05 lakh turtles had laid eggs in the same stretch in the second phase of mass nesting from March 22 to 27, said Dibya Shankar Behera, Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF), in-charge in Khallikote range. He said a record number of baby Olive Ridley turtles had also emerged from the pits and moved towards the sea with the help of forest staff and local volunteers. Anil Mohapatra, senior scientist of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), said Olive Ridley turtles preferred to return to Rushikulya rookery for mass nesting due to its safety and protection. He said around 12,000 female turtles had been tagged by the ZSI and the Forest department in the 2021-23 period at Rushikulya rookery to monitor their movement. 'We have recaptured over 553 of them in the same site so far. This indicates that they preferred to revisit the rookery for mass nesting,' he added. Shankar Naryan Bez, coordinator of district Eco-Club, lauded the community participation in the protection and conservation of Olive Ridley turtles near the Rushikulya river mouth.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
553 tagged turtles returned to Rushikulya in three years: Scientist
1 2 Berhampur: Rushikulya river mouth in Ganjam district is emerging as a major rookery for Olive Ridley turtles due to active participation of local people in the protection and conservation of these endangered sea turtles, said wildlife experts at a meeting organised by Khallikote forest range at Purunabandh to mark World Turtle Day on Friday. Senior scientist at the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) Anil Mohapatra said 553 turtles returned to the rookery for nesting in the last three years, with 365 of them this year. He said around 12,000 female turtles were tagged by the ZSI and forest department during the 2021-23 period at the Rushikulya rookery to monitor their movement. "We recaptured over 553 of them at the same site so far. This indicates that they prefer to visit the rookery for mass nesting. The reason being safety and strict protection measures," he added. Mohapatra said a record number of baby Olive Ridley turtles also emerged from the pits and moved towards the sea with the help of forest staff and local volunteers. Around 9 lakh Olive Ridley turtles visited the beach for mass nesting in two phases this year. While 6,98,698 Olive Ridleys laid eggs on the beach in their first phase of mass nesting from Feb 16 to 23 in the five-km stretch from Podampeta to Bateswar, over 2.05 lakh turtles laid eggs in the same stretch in the second phase of mass nesting from March 22 to 27, said Dibya Shankar Behera, assistant conservator of forest (ACF), in-charge of Khallikote range. "It's high time the govt takes immediate steps to expedite the proposal for setting up a turtle research centre near the rookery," said Rabindra Nath Sahu, secretary of Rushikulya Sea Turtle Protection Committee, an organisation working on the conservation and protection of the Olive Ridleys. The forest department identified around 3.5 acres of govt land near Purunabandh for establishment of the proposed centre, sources said. Shankar Naryan Bez, co-ordinator of the district eco-club, lauded the community participation in the protection and conservation of the Olive Ridley turtles. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
24-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
‘Turtles are key indicators of healthy environ, awareness must to save them'
1 2 Varanasi: To mark World Turtle Day, the forest department on Friday organised a seminar at Sarnath Zoo to raise awareness and sensitivity towards conservation of turtles. Every year on May 23, World Turtle Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the declining number of turtles globally, protect their habitats, arrange for their rehabilitation, and rescue them. Forest conservator of Varanasi Circle Ravi Kumar Singh said "Turtles are one of the oldest living species in the world, dating back about 200 million years, existing even before birds, snakes and lizards. Their presence in the ecosystem is crucial as they are considered indicators of a healthy environment. They play a significant role in the food chain, and their existence is vital for controlling several plant and fish species. " He said there are over 300 species of turtles worldwide, with around 130 declared endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In India, there are 29 species of turtles, including 24 species of tortoises (land turtles) and 5 species of sea turtles. Most of these turtles are protected under various schedules of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. According to him, India is home to five species of sea turtles, including Olive Ridley, Leatherback, Loggerhead, Green Turtle and Hawksbill. The first three are classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, the Green Turtle is Endangered, and the Hawksbill is Critically Endangered. Without conservation efforts, these species may soon become extinct. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
‘Turtle nesting rises in Chennai as conservation efforts show results in Tamil Nadu'
Although Chennai saw Olive Ridley sea turtle deaths, huge compared to last year, situation has improved now, as the number of nests increased from 320 in 2024 to 450 this year and the number of eggs went up from 30,000 to 50,000, said Manish Meena, Wildlife Warden, Chennai Division. 'A joint patrolling with Sagar Mitras (a field-level interface between the government and coastal fishers), Fisheries department, Indian Coast Guard, Coastal Security Group of the Tamil Nadu Police was held to protect the turtles within the five nautical miles area where normal trawler fishing is prohibited. With the cooperation of the fishermen and the stakeholders, the turtles were protected. In one case, 16 live turtles were saved from a trawl boat and released back into the ocean,' he said. This was said at the event held to mark International Day of Biodiversity by Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Conservation And Greening Project For Climate Change Response (TBGPCCR), Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Board (TNBB), Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), National Biodiversity Authority and NGO Care Earth Trust on Thursday at the Amma Maaligai auditorium in Ripon Buildings complex. The theme was 'harmony with nature and sustainable development'. Migratory Bird Monitoring Trust (MBMT) managing trustee S. Balachandran emphasised on bird diversity, focussing on Central Asian Flyway and the importance of Tamil Nadu as a stopover for birds in his speech. Care Earth Trust founding-trustee R.J Ranjith Daniels said, earlier, the people of Tamil Nadu were aware of ways to live along with all living beings, despite being among the advanced civilisations during iron age. The programme also features songs of Tamil poet Subramania Bharati on natural resources and biodiveristy, a dance performance inspired by Irular community by Coimbatore-based school students and alumni and a musical performance by Kerala-based group Vayali. A press release mentioned the formation of over 13,600 Biodiversity Management Committees and the preparation of People's Biodiversity Registers in each.
India.com
23-05-2025
- India.com
7 Hidden Beaches Near Mumbai For Your Perfect Getaway
Mumbai is famous as the bustling financial capital of India alongside the fast pace of life in the crowded urban spaces. But even to the untamed bursting outskirts of the City, there lies a treasure chest full of serene beautifying beaches. These further away beaches near Mumbai provide a perfect retreat for people looking to calm down and cherish some time absconding from the distractions and chaos of urban life. Here are seven hidden gems around the city which promise a peaceful stay while recharging one's soul. 1. Kihim Beach Kihim beach is a stretch of golden sand accompanied by lush green trees and is nearly 90 kilometers away from Mumbai. Unlike the recently commercialized beaches in the area, Kihim beach provides visitors a peaceful atmosphere to enjoy and relax on the quiet beaches. The beach is perfect for evening strolls along the coast, birdwatching, and of course, listening to the calming sound of waves. Kihim beach attracts a variety of migratory birds during the winters so any nature lover is bound to love it. 2. Velas Beach Turtle conservation is one of the major reasons that make Velas Beach famous. Velas Beach is located 230 kilometers to the south of Mumbai. The beach is somewhat isolated, which forms part of the Konkan coast and is primarily known for serving as a nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles. Tourists have the rare chance to see turtles hatching between February and April amidst supervised programs for local conservationists. The quieter waters of Velas and fewer people make it an ideal place for a retreat. 3. Tarkarli Beach Situated approximately 560 kilometers south of Mumbai, Tarkarli Beach is famous among tourists as the 'Maldives of Maharashtra,' due to its pristine waters and silky-white sand. It is gaining some recognition among the adventure junkies for scuba diving and snorkeling, but the beach is still largely intact. Tourists can view the magnificent Arabian Sea while resting on the beach or doing some water activities offered by certified providers. 4. Murud Beach Situated along the Konkan coastline, Murud boasts of gentle waves and clean shores. The beach is known for its serene surroundings which makes it a perfect spot for families to relax. Additionally, it is also captivating to solo travelers looking to spend some time by the sea. The stunning Janjira Fort is another highlight and takes the attraction to an entire new level. Located at sea, rest assured it adds majesty and a historical glimpse to the beauty of Murud. 5. Aksa Beach Aksa Beach, located in Malad, is only 30 kilometers from downtown Mumbai, making it the most accessible beach near the city. While it remains one of the more unexplored beaches in the region, its scenic beauty of abundance of rocks and shallow waters is perfect for photography lovers. The beach may be less ideal for swimming due to strong currents, however, it makes for a great picnic spot as well as somewhere to catch the stunning sunsets. 6. Dapoli Beaches: Harnai and Karde The Dapoli zone has many lesser known beaches such as Harnai and Karde and is located about 220 kilometers south of Mumbai. Harnai Beach is well known for having a fishing harbor where you can watch local fishermen do their work and eat seafood. Karde Beach, in contrast to Harnai, provides more privacy with soft sands and palm trees. Both these beaches are less crowded and allow for relaxation and exploration of the area unlike popular tourist areas which can be very hectic. 7. Guhagar Beach Another undiscovered beach located on the Konkan coast is Guhagar Beach which is slightly further than 230 kilometers south of Mumbai. This beach is very unique due to its black sand which is a result of geological processes from ancient volcanoes. The Guhagar region is very attractive considering that it is surrounded by coconut trees and traditional villages. Plus, the Shri Vyadeshwar Temple nearby gives a nice spiritual touch to your trip. Why Pick These Hidden Beaches? Unlike core tourist spots like Goa, these hidden beaches near Mumbai are for people who seek peace and want to be left alone. Alongside aiding an individual to reconnect with themselves and nature, these beaches give one the chance to experience the untouched beauty of the entire Konkan coastline. Apart from this, engaging actively in eco-friendly tourism like turtle conservation efforts in Velas can help sustain these delicate environments for years to come. Guidelines for Visiting Hidden Beaches Be Ready: As these beaches are relatively untouched, make sure to carry food, water, and medication before venturing out to ensure a smoother trip. Adhere to Local Cultures: Always remember a lot of these places have small fishing villages, be sure to respect their way of life. Sustain The Environment: Be a responsible tourist by making sure not to throw away trash and trying to reduce your impact on the local setting. Look At The Weather: The accessibility of roads during the monsoon season might be reduced, so try to plan around that. Final Thoughts Ultimately, the area's less frequented beaches are astonishing considering how distant they are from the core of Mumbai city. These beaches serve as a perfect getaway from the city's mayhem. These remote beaches serve as coastal wonders for those seeking retreat, for undisturbed interaction with the elements. But#{, ensuring a sense of adventure and calmness. So grab your bags, escape the busy city life, and explore these rare tranquil spots.
