Puri (Odisha) [India], March 19 (HBTV): Blue Flag Beach on Thursday saw a rare and captivating sight as baby Olive Ridley turtles emerged from their nests and made their way toward the sea.
Locals and tourists gathered at the beach to witness the moment, watching quietly as the tiny hatchlings crawled across the sand and began their journey to the ocean.
Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik said it was the first time he had witnessed such an event at Puri’s Blue Flag Beach. He noted that although he visits the beach regularly, the experience felt particularly meaningful.
‘First time we witnessed the olive ridley turtles going into the sea on the Blue Flag Beach. For the first time, this has happened in Puri... This was a very happy moment for us...,’ he said.
He added that the day stood out as a special occasion, with many people gathering to observe the rare phenomenon in silence, making it a memorable experience for all present.
Olive Ridley turtles are known for their mass nesting behaviour, where large numbers of turtles come ashore to lay eggs. Once hatched, the baby turtles instinctively move toward the sea, often guided by natural light.
The occurrence at Puri highlights the importance of maintaining clean and safe beaches to support marine life. As the hatchlings entered the sea, the moment marked a significant and memorable experience for onlookers. (ANI)