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Olive Ridley Arribada Begins at Odisha’s Rushikulya With 10,220 Nesting Turtles

Officials closed sections of the beach to protect nests during the peak laying period.

Overview

  • Forest authorities banned tourist entry along a four-kilometre stretch and deployed 10 protection squads with round-the-clock monitoring.
  • Controlled entry points were set up at Gokharkuda and Podampeta, an awareness camp opened at Bateshwar beach, and fencing was installed to deter predators.
  • Officials reported the season began about a month later than in 2025, with more than 5,700 additional sporadic nests recorded after the first night.
  • Field staff confirmed 11 Olive Ridley carcasses at Haripur beach, countering higher unofficial figures, and the remains are being buried under standard procedures.
  • Residents and local sources questioned enforcement of the November–May no-fishing ban between Aryapalli and Prayagi, citing illegal trawlers that can entangle turtles.