Art Installation Draws Attention To Turtle Conservation
NEW DELHI, (IANS) – A unique art installation of the Olive Ridley Turtles at the Puri beach in Odisha has turned out to be a big draw as thousands of tourists are thronging the area to witness the “wonder at the beach”.
Notably, the city is already teeming with a rush of devotees owing to the world-famous Rath Yatra, and such a gathering of people has resulted in strong support for the cause of endangered Olive Ridley turtles.
The person who designed the magnificent art installation on the beach is Kirti Maharana.
The 30-feet long, 12-feet high, and 20-feet wide installation made of fiberglass seeks to bring the spotlight on the endangered Olive Ridley turtles, which face significant extinction threats due to limited nesting sites globally.
Maharana says, “Through art, we can evoke emotions and inspire change. This installation is our heartfelt effort to draw attention to the endangered Olive Ridley turtles and the need to protect their nesting grounds, one of the rarest natural wonders of the world. It’s a call for everyone to take responsibility for our environment.”
It took 13 artists and sculptors seven days to make this 17-tonne installation made of fiberglass that will withstand the salty wind of the beach.
“While walking along the beach a few months back during a holiday, I came across the carcass of an Olive Ridley turtle being eaten by stray dogs, which moved me to think about what I can do to create awareness for their conservation. What better time to start the initiative than during the world-famous Rath Yatra when lakhs of devotees from across the country congregate here? I hope the word will spread through my artwork so that I can contribute my bit to the conservation of this beautiful animal of mother nature,” added Maharana.
In 2002, Odisha implemented stringent laws to prohibit trawling and the trade of turtles, preserving the state’s natural heritage. Despite being protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, these turtles face grave threats, with high mortality rates due to fishery-related activities.
