Bhubaneswar, Feb. 21 -- Rushikulya beach in Ganjam district has witnessed an unprecedented gathering of Olive Ridley turtles for their annual mass nesting this year.

The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Prem Kumar Jha, informed on Friday that approximately 6,50,000 turtles have descended upon the Rushikulya shore in Odisha so far this year, setting an all time new record.

As per reports, the mass nesting of the endangered sea turtles commenced over a week ago and is projected to continue for an additional four to five days. It is anticipated that the total number of nesting turtles may reach between 7,00,000 to 7,50,000 at Rushikulya beach this year.

After the two-week nesting period in Rushikulya, the Olive Ridley turtle...