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Puri: Climate change or shifting wind patterns?
It’s still not clear.
However, it is a fact that the seas around Puri and its beaches have been invaded by jellyfish in their hundreds.
And these are not the lifeless, soapy blobs that get caught in fishermen’s nets inadvertently and are then discarded. The species is causing a bit of distress to locals and tourists alike.
While fishermen and Nulia lifeguards say this is a phenomena they have noticed during the months of March-April for the past few years, authorities are trying to look for the cause. Most of the jellyfish can be found near the lighthouse, locals said.
Tourists, meanwhile, have been asked to exercise caution and stay clear of these spongy creatures, after several of them complained of jellyfish stings at this popular destination in Odisha. While the stings are not fatal, they can be extremely painful. In some cases, severe symptoms – such as muscle cramps and mild respiratory distress – may occur.
“I was swimming when something spongy brushed against my leg. It began to hurt immediately. I also developed an itchy rash. A doctor at the hospital cleaned the spot and prescribed some medicines. Yet, I was feverish throughout the day,” a tourist said.
Researchers say that jellyfish have stinging cells, known as nematocysts on their tentacles. The nematocysts have microscopic barbed stingers that can inject venom. These stingers are present on the tentacles of dead jellyfish as well and can cause damage.
“Yes, this is a strange phenomenon that has been occuring for the past few years. It may be due to climate change or shifting wind patterns,” Vivek Kumar, divisional forest officer, Puri, said.
