Baliapal: Forest department staff released Monday hatchlings of 253 Olive Ridley turtles into the sea at Dagara under Baliapal block in Balasore district.
It should be stated here that the stretch of the sea beach from Chaumukh to Haskara has turned into a favourite and mass nesting place for Olive Ridley turtles.
Officials said that every year hundreds of turtles arrive at the beach to lay eggs and then return to the sea. The hatchlings are usually born two-three months later. This year also was no exception. After the hatchlings emerged on the surface, the Forest Department officials facilitated their passage into the sea.
Officials informed that this year, the number of adult turtles visiting the beach had decreased substantially. Only 400 eggs were laid by the turtles, of which 253 hatchlings were born, they added.
It was indeed pleasing to the eye to see employees of the Forest department, namely Hrushikesh Pradhan, Durjaya Karan, Manmath Dalai and Amulya Jena escorting the baby turtles safely back into the sea. Who knows some of these hatchlings may visit the same beach again when they become adults to lay eggs and continue the natural process.
PNN