DWARKA PRASAD PATNAIK, OP
Chhatrapur: The Mating season of Olive Ridley turtles has begun near Rushikulya estuary in Ganjam. The season that started from mid-November will extend till the end of February, said environmentalist Rabindranath Sahu. The Forest Department has banned the entry of boats and fishing inside the sea from 2km off the coast to 10km into the sea. Absolute darkness is said to be maintained around the coastal region during the entire period of mass mating and nesting.
From a safety point of view, marine police and coastal patrolling units are rigorously monitoring the movements inside the sea. Mass mating of the turtles shall be followed by mass nesting that is expected to begin from the end of February, extending till the end of March, provided the environmental conditions remain conducive. This phenomenal beauty is set to attract tourists from across the globe, let alone the locals, much like the previous year. However, the Forest Department has taken all the due measures towards the safe environment of the iconic species.
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