National

Coast Guard Initiates ‘Operation Oliva’ to Safeguard Olive Ridley Turtles in Odisha

Published

1 year ago

February 21, 2025

The Coast Guard has initiated ‘Operation Oliva,’ a coastal patrol mission aimed at safeguarding the Olive Ridley sea turtles during their breeding season and mass nesting. Officials announced this initiative on Friday, highlighting its importance in ensuring the turtles’ safe passage in mid-sea.

According to survey reports from the Odisha Forest Department, approximately 555,638 eggs have been laid by the endangered Olive Ridley turtles at Rushikulya and the Devi River mouth to Astrang. This significant figure reflects the collective conservation efforts aimed at wildlife protection.

Conservationists have designated protected areas along the beaches of the Odisha coast where these turtles lay their eggs. These zones are closely monitored to prevent human interference, including poaching and disturbances from recreational activities.

Since 1991, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has consistently collaborated with central and state authorities to protect endangered species under the Wildlife Act of 1972. As part of Operation Oliva, the current mass nesting season has revealed promising results, with data showing 6,126 nests containing 551,238 eggs at Rushikulya. Meanwhile, nesting at the Devi River mouth to Astrang remains sporadic, with 60 nests and 5,400 eggs.

The ICG, which is responsible for maritime law enforcement, plays a key role in preserving and safeguarding the marine environment. In partnership with state fisheries and the forest department, Operation Oliva began on November 1 and will continue until May 31, 2025. During this operation, the ICG carries out awareness campaigns and community engagement programs to educate coastal residents and fishing communities. Additionally, they monitor fishing vessels operating near marine reserves to ensure compliance with the use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TED).

Throughout this operation, 29 ICG ships have been deployed for 138 days, and ICG aircraft have been utilized for around 65 hours, significantly reducing turtle casualties. Approximately 150 fishing boats have been inspected to ensure adherence to regulations.

The Gahirmatha rookery in Kendrapara district is known as the world’s largest nesting beach for Olive Ridley turtles, where millions arrive each year for mass nesting between February and March. In addition to Gahirmatha, these turtles also nest at the Rushikulya River mouth and Devi River mouth. An Olive Ridley typically lays 120 to 150 eggs, which hatch after about 45 to 50 days.

National

Pickup Vehicle Crashes Into Divider, Two Killed Including Child

Published

48 minutes ago

March 5, 2026

Namma Kudla

Uttar Pradesh: A tragic road accident took place in Uttar Pradesh when a pickup vehicle lost control and crashed into a road divider.

The driver and a three-year-old girl died on the spot due to the impact of the crash. Nine passengers who were travelling in the vehicle sustained injuries. They were rushed to the district hospital for treatment.

Reports said the victims were travelling to their native village to celebrate the Holi festival. A video showing the horrifying scene of the accident has gone viral on social media.

Preliminary reports suggest that overspeeding may have led to the accident. Police have started an investigation into the incident.

National

Five from Karnataka Killed in Car–Container Collision in Andhra Pradesh

Published

23 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Namma Kudla

Andhra Pradesh: Five people from Karnataka were killed on the spot after the car they were travelling in rammed into a container truck from behind in Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district on Tuesday.

The accident occurred near Gangavaram in Palamaneru while the victims were on their way to Tirupati temple from Bengaluru. According to police, the car crashed into the rear of a container vehicle with great force, leaving the vehicle completely mangled.

The deceased have been identified as Mohandas (71), Nagaraj (61), Kusuma (61), Jayanti (59), and Pooja (33). All of them were residents of Rajajinagar in Bengaluru.

Preliminary reports suggest that the impact of the collision was so severe that all five occupants died at the scene. Police have registered a case at the Palamaneru police station and further investigation is underway.

More details are awaited.

National

Woman Kills Ex-Lover Over Blackmail in Ballia

Published

3 days ago

March 2, 2026

Namma Kudla

Uttar Pradesh: A married woman allegedly killed her former lover in Ballia after he blackmailed her with private videos, police said.

According to police, the victim was identified as Pankaj Gupta, a resident of Azamgarh. He was reportedly in a relationship with the woman from a nearby village.

Police said the woman wanted to end the relationship. However, Gupta allegedly began blackmailing her using obscene videos and harassed her repeatedly.

Unable to bear the threats, the woman informed her brother and sister-in-law. The trio allegedly planned the murder during a wedding function on February 5.

On February 7, they allegedly called Gupta to the village on a pretext. He was strangled to death, police said. The accused then poured acid on his face to hide his identity and tried to destroy evidence.

An unidentified body with a disfigured face was found on February 10. The crime was later solved during the investigation.

Police have arrested three accused, including the woman, and sent them to judicial custody. Efforts are on to arrest other suspects involved in the case.