Olive ridley turtles wash ashore, 3 rescued

Mumbai: Following incessant rains in Mumbai, the city and its adjoining regions are recording incidents of marine animals being washed ashore. Around six Olive Ridley turtles have been washed ashore in Mumbai this week, while a huge carcass of baleen whale was found in Palghar coast earlier this week.

Mangrove cell stated that it is creating awareness about such incidents among the citizens.

Olive Ridley turtles are protected species under the Schedule 1 of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. According to Mumbai Mangrove Conservation Unit, out of the six Olive Ridley, three were found dead at the shores, while the other three are being treated.

Of the six turtles, one washed ashore Koliwada, Cuffe Parade, and is currently being treated. Another was rescued from Worli, where a third Olive Ridley turtle was found dead. Two more turtles washed ashore Juhu beach, of which, one was found dead. A sixth dead turtle was retrieved from Versova beach.

“During monsoon period, the strong wind currents over the sea wash away injured or dead marine animals.

This year too, olive ridley turtles are being washed ashore. The injured ones are being treated and will be taken to Dahanu rescue and treatment centre,” said Makarand Ghodke, Assistant Conservator of Forest, Mumbai Mangrove Conservation Unit.

Apart from Olive Ridley, carcass of baleen whale washed across Kelwe coast in Palghar, which was severely decomposed, was 50-foot long.

“We have not been able to identify the species of the whale yet as it was badly decomposed. We have sent the tissue samples for testing its species and awaiting the report,” said an official from Palghar division of State Forest Department.

The official added that the whale was around 12 tonnes in weight which could be among the largest mammal to wash ashore in Maharashtra Coast.

“We suspect it is Arabian Sea Humpback whale, however, it is yet to be ascertained,” added the official.