After more than a decade of Olive Ridley turtle conservation programme in the State, the Forest Department has set up first-of-its-kind turtle interpretation centres in the State in Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram to boost the conservation of the sea turtle species, listed as “threatened” by The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The centre in Visakhapatnam is developed at the pagoda-type cottage structure located at the R.K. Beach. It was earlier an Environment Education Centre launched in 2000 but was closed in 2007 due to criticism over maintenance. In its new look and with special features, the centre is expected to be a major draw for visitors.

Lively ambience

Sharing details with The Hindu, Chief Conservator of Forest Rahul Pandey said: “A lot of thought and planning has gone into making it lively and provide an enhanced visitor experience. From big-sized images of the types of sea turtles seen along the coastal belt of Andhra Pradesh to a presentation of the fascinating life cycle of Olive Ridleys and giving information like the number of hatcheries, the centre will play an important role in spreading awareness about them.” The centre in Visakhapatnam is developed at the cost of ₹25 lakh while the one in Vizianagaram is coming up in collaboration with the Chennai-based organisation Tree Foundation at the cost of ₹10 lakh. The centres will be thrown open to the public from May 10.

The external walls of the centre don a refreshing look with art work on the theme of sea turtles by artist Ravi. As one enters, the first thing to catch the attention is a life-sized structure of an Olive Ridley, moving its head and opening its mouth. The huge images on the walls of the well-lit room effectively highlight the criticality of the need to save sea turtles and the ecological significance of the flippered visitors. “We will charge a nominal entry fee to meet the maintenance cost. A team of four people will be working towards managing the centre,” Mr Pandey said.

Eggs collection

Incidentally, Visakhapatnam recorded a significant increase in the number of eggs collected from the coast that rose from 1,82,124 in 2017 to 1,95,000 eggs this year. The Forest Department in association with the Visakha Society for Care and Protection of Animals has set up 31 hatcheries in the coastal belts of Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam. While last year 18,000 hatchlings were released into the sea, the department expects the number to nearly double this year. “We released 12,000 hatchlings last month and are expecting another 15,000 in the coming few days,” Mr. Pandey added.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Nivedita Ganguly / Visakhapatnam – April 28th, 2018