Wildlife lovers and experts demand turtle research centre near Rushikulya river mouth

AS Rushikulya river mouth in Ganjam district has emerged as a major rookery for Olive Ridley turtles, wildlife lovers and experts have demanded the establishment of a turtle research centre in the area to study the behaviour of the marine animal.

- PBD BUREAU/PTI

The demand in this regard was made at a meeting observing the 'World Turtle Day’ on May 23, at Purunabandh, near the river mouth. The meeting was organised by the Khallikote forest range.

“It's high time the government took steps to expedite the proposal for setting up a turtle research centre near the rookery," said Rabindra Nath Sahu, secretary, Rushikulya sea turtle protection committee, an organisation working on conservation and protection of the Olive Ridley turtles.

The Forest department has identified around 3.5 acres of government land near Purunabandh for the establishment of the proposed centre, sources said.