Karan Adani Highlights Boost In Olive Ridley Nesting; Reaffirms Conservation Efforts

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) Managing Director Karan Adani reaffirmed the company’s commitment to preserving Olive Ridley turtles, noting a significant rise in the species’ nesting activity along Odisha’s coast.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the Olive Ridley, named for its olive-colored shell, as ‘vulnerable’ on its Red List.

Their sensitive breeding behaviour and exposure to human disruption have, however, raised conservation concerns globally.

On World Turtle Day, Karan Adani expressed pride in the growing population of Olive Ridleys at Gahirmatha beach near Dhamra, Odisha, home to one of the largest nesting sites for the species.

“We are delighted that the Olive Ridley turtles are thiriving in record numbers at Gahirmatha beach near Dhamra. We are proud to support conservation efforts that protect them and their fragile ecosystems in Odisha. Working with local communities and wildlife authorities, we continue to safeguard these gentle marine creatures,” he posted on X.

APSEZ has committed ₹30 crore towards conserving the species.

In a video shared online, Karan Adani further detailed several protective steps taken at Dhamra Port. These include:

• Dark sky lighting to minimise sea glare, aiding turtle navigation,
• Trawler support for Forest Department patrols during migration,
• Mapped shipping lanes to avoid turtle congregation zones, and
• Marked fishing exclusion zones with buoys.

APSEZ has partnered with the Divisional Forest Officer in Bhadrak. Together, they are conducting awareness drives among local fishers about mangrove protection and turtle conservation.

This year, approximately 6.89 lakh Olive Ridley turtles nested at Gahirmatha beach, according to company data.

Karan Adani further emphasised that APSEZ would continue working closely with local communities and wildlife officials to ensure long-term protection of the species.

“Working with local communities and wildlife authorities, we continue to safeguard these gentle marine creatures,” the Managing Director of APSEZ noted.

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