turtle conservation

Forest ranger trainees from Madhya Pradesh witnessed the mass hatching of Olive Ridley turtles at the Rushikulya rookery. The 34 officers gained hands-on knowledge in wildlife conservation and forest management during their visit. They observed thousands of hatchlings emerging and beginning their journey to the sea, a significant event following the recent mass nesting period.

Thousands of Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings are emerging at Rushikulya river mouth in Ganjam. This mass hatching follows nesting by over two lakh turtles. Forest officials and volunteers are ensuring the safety of the baby turtles. Predators are being kept away and nearby industries are dimming lights. Researchers and the public are witnessing this natural event.

While most Indian beaches prohibit vehicles due to safety and environmental concerns, Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach in Kerala offers a rare exception. This unique location allows regulated beach driving thanks to its specific geographical features, though access remains conditional on various factors like tides and weather.

Political parties in Tamil Nadu are increasingly acknowledging climate change, with manifestos highlighting heat mitigation, electric vehicles, and water management. While DMK and AIADMK show improvements in environmental focus, concerns remain regarding past actions and the implementation of promises. Animal welfare receives minimal attention, though DMK proposes upgrades to veterinary hospitals and wildlife conflict reduction systems.

Forest officials in Ganjam district have implemented strict measures, including fencing and round-the-clock guarding, to protect Olive Ridley turtle eggs at the Rushikulya river mouth rookery. Over 2.05 lakh turtles laid eggs during the recent mass nesting period, with hatchlings expected in 45-60 days. This year's nesting figure is the lowest in a decade.

The Shree Jagannath International Airport project in Puri has received stage-1 environmental clearance. This is a crucial step for the ambitious greenfield project. The clearance allows for the diversion of forest land for airport construction. The project will have a significant passenger-handling capacity. Further conditions must be met for final approval. This development fast-tracks the airport's progress.

A federal decision, approved upon the request of the Trump administration, to expand Gulf oil drilling has heightened fears of extinction for the critically endangered Rice’s whale, with fewer than 50 individuals remaining. Scientists note the species already lost over 20% of its population after the Deepwater Horizon spill, warning that renewed industrial activity could push it beyond recovery and erase one of the ocean’s rarest whales.