India, Feb. 25 -- More than 7,00,000 Olive Ridley turtles have arrived at Rushikulya beach in Ganjam district in the last one week, creating a record-breaking nesting event. This remarkable number exceeds the earlier figure by over 60,000, marking Rushikulya as a favoured site for these marine creatures over other locations like Gahirmatha and Bhitarkanika.

Officials attribute this success to favourable conditions and extensive preparation by the Odisha Forest Department. A combination of post-full moon coastal winds and exceptionally soft sand, free from rain-induced hardening, have created an ideal environment for nesting. This year, additional measures have been put in place to preserve this environment, including a ban on fishing up ...