For the second time this month, an Olive Ridley Turtle attempted to nest on Juhu Beach but was driven away by human interference. On March 16, at around 2:45 am, the turtle emerged from the sea, only to be disturbed by visitors using flashlights and blocking its path. Unable to continue, it was forced to retreat into the water.
This is not an isolated incident. On March 4, another turtle faced the same fate—unable to nest due to disruptions from beachgoers. The recurrence of these disturbances, now twice within just a few weeks, highlights the growing urgency of the issue.
Potential solutions and government action
In response to this recurring issue, Juhu Buzz has reached out to Shaunak Modi from the Coastal Conservation Foundation. Together, they plan to organise awareness sessions for the local community.
To safeguard the turtles, experts suggest reducing light pollution on beaches, either by dimming lights or using red filters, as well as increasing patrols at popular beaches like Juhu, Versova, and Madh. Regular monitoring can help identify additional nesting sites and prevent further disruptions.
Further, Maharashtra Forest Department’s Mangrove Cell has been informed and will begin conducting night patrols on Juhu Beach. Reports from other shores in Mumbai indicate that this problem is not confined to Juhu Beach, but is a widespread issue. This highlights the need for more awareness and protective measures at multiple nesting sites around the city.
Conservation Efforts in the South
In the south, nesting grounds in Kochi, Alappuzha, and Kollam are home to ongoing conservation efforts aimed at protecting Olive Ridley turtles. Last year, Thiruvananthapuram witnessed a rare sighting, the first since 2014. On Shankhumukham Beach, around 100 eggs hatched recently, with more eggs being carefully monitored by a group of local nature enthusiasts led by fisherman Ajith Shanghumugham.
These southern cities are leading the way in protecting these vital nesting grounds, and it’s high time Mumbai follows suit.
How lack of awareness cost Mumbai’s Juhu Beach its Olive Ridley Turtle nesting season
