Berhampur, Mar 25: In a remarkable event, the rare Olive Ridley turtles have begun their second phase of mass nesting this year at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha’s Ganjam district.

Following a record-breaking first phase earlier this year, the second phase commenced on March 21, with forest department sources confirming that over 1,20,031 turtles have returned to lay eggs in the past three days.

The first phase of nesting continued for eight days, and officials anticipate that the ongoing second phase will last several more days.

This rare phenomenon of a second mass nesting within the same year has brought joy and enthusiasm among forest department staff and environmentalists alike.

To ensure the safe journey of hatchlings from the beach to the sea, the forest department has implemented stringent security measures. 

Besides, conservationists are closely monitoring the nesting sites, some of which were also used during the first phase, to prevent any harm to the turtles or their eggs.

The rare occurrence highlights the importance of protecting the turtles' habitat and ensuring a safe passage for the hatchlings to thrive in the open ocean.

Around 38,779 turtles laid eggs on the stretch of the rookery from Purunabandh to Bateswar on the first day of the second phase.

The first phase of the arribada took place from February 16 to 23, during which 6.98 lakh Olive Ridleys laid eggs.

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