Moonlight hike to be held in Visakhapatnam

Every winter, the endangered Olive Ridley turtles approach the beaches in Visakhapatnam to nest and lay their eggs. Following various protection measures by the government and local bodies like the Visakha Society for Care and Protection of Animals (VSPCA), the numbers of this dwindling species have increased quite considerably over the years. As an annual ritual, the Youth Hostels Association of India (YHAI) will organise a moonlight hike along the beach in Visakhapatnam. The event will take place on 18 of May, which marks a full moon. This hike is aimed at spreading awareness among people for the conservation of nesting grounds of these rare turtles.

Speaking to Yo! Vizag, the moonlight hike co-ordinator, P.Kondala Rao said, “The hike will be held along the golden sands of the beach starting from Tenneti Park to Rushikonda

in Visakhapatnam. The hike will also have a campfire, cultural programs and a session of getting to know each other.” The beauty of the hike stating that it is not to be missed as the cool evening breeze by the sea is an enriching experience.”

Currently, the breeding grounds prepared for the Olive Ridley turtles on RK beach have the highest success rate of hatchlings with a significant increase in the number from last year. The development is viewed as a great achievement from the perspective of marine ecology.

To know more details of the hike, contact Mr. Kondala Rao on 7382065144. Registration for the events needs to be done before 2 pm on 18 May.