In a groundbreaking move to combat the impacts of climate change, the Government of Tamil Nadu has initiated a remarkable endeavor this Olive Ridley nesting season. IAS officer Supriya Sahu took to social media to share the thrilling developments: “The Olive Ridley nesting season in Tamil Nadu is truly special this year!”
In an unprecedented move, the government has sanctioned the establishment of the first-ever Climate Resilient Turtle Hatcheries at 10 locations across 8 districts. At Marakkanam in Villupuram District, a semi-permanent climate-resilient hatchery has been erected, equipped with cutting-edge technology including data loggers for temperature and heavy rainfall monitoring.
But that’s not all – a staggering 45 hatcheries have been set up in 9 districts, the highest number ever recorded! So far, an incredible 2,20,000 eggs have been safely collected, marking a historic milestone in turtle conservation efforts.
Forest department personnel and dedicated volunteers are working tirelessly to safeguard nesting turtles and ensure the safe release of baby turtles back into the sea. But the action doesn’t stop there! In various divisions across Tamil Nadu, more climate-resilient hatcheries have been established, each contributing significantly to the conservation efforts:
Pitchavaram Range, Cuddalore Division: A hatchery at MGR Thittu in Vellar seashore area has already released around 2000 hatchlings, with temperature closely monitored through data loggers.
Nagapattinam Division: Two semi-permanent climate-resilient hatcheries have been set up at Koozhaiyar and Kottaimedu beach areas in Mayiladuthurai district, where 9000 eggs have been collected and safeguarded. Additional data loggers are set to arrive shortly to enhance monitoring efforts.
Tirunelveli Division: A climate-resilient hatchery has been established in the Paanchal beach area, with vigilant monitoring conducted daily to ensure the safety of the precious eggs.
Check the full thread here-
Olive Ridley nesting season in Tamil Nadu is special this year. In a pioneering initiative Govt of Tamil Nadu has issued orders to set up first ever Climate Resilient turtle hatcheries in the wake of Climate change impact at 10 places in 8 districts. At Marakkanam in Villupuram… pic.twitter.com/fi3KEWvNZZ
— Supriya Sahu IAS (@supriyasahuias) March 13, 2024
