How Tamil Nadu Is Making Its Coast Safer for Olive Ridley Turtles to Nest

Under the early light on Tamil Nadu’s coast, hundreds of tiny Olive Ridley hatchlings make their way across the sand. They move in short, uneven bursts, leaving behind faint trails that the next wave will soon erase. Ahead of them is the Bay of Bengal. A few metres away, forest staff and volunteers watch closely, guiding them when needed, making sure each one reaches the water. This scene has started playing out more often along the state’s coastline. Since 2025, Tamil Nadu has been trying to understand these turtles more closely, following where they go, where they return, and what helps t...