Puri: Carcasses of a large number of Olive Ridley sea turtles were found littered along the beach in Odisha’s pilgrim town of Puri, raising questions over the safety of these endangered species.
The turtle carcasses washed ashore in large number were spotted at many places on the beach between Satapada and the mouth of Devi river, sources said.
What turned out to be quite shocking and disturbing for locals and nature lovers was that stray dogs and other animals were seen feasting on the dead turtles.
“It is shocking to see so many dead turtles on the Puri beach. The authorities must do something about it,” said an environmentalist.
On Sunday, the carcass of a huge turtle was found on Neeladri beach in the town. The 3.5 feet long and 2.5 feet wide turtle must be more than 50 kg, eyewitnesses said, adding that a deep wound could be seen on the body with blood oozing out.
Sources said the turtle might have been killed after being hit by illegally operating trawlers in the sea. “We suspect that many turtles are getting killed after being hit by the fishing trawlers operating illegally in the area,” said a nature lover.
However, no step has so far been taken by the authorities concerned to safely dispose of the carcasses, locals said, adding that an unhyeginic condition marked by foul smell prevails in the area with many turtle carcasses lying on the beach.
The turtles visit Gahirmatha, mouth of rivers Devi and Rushikulya in Odisha coast, for annual nesting.
Though there is a prohibition on fishing in 20 km distance from the beach in these three identified places, the trawler operators undertake fishing illegally there, environmentalists said, urging the government to take concrete measures for the safety of turtles.
