Kendrapara: The mass nesting of endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles began at Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in Odisha's Kendrapara district.

As many as 6,000 Olive Ridleys laid eggs on Nasi 2 Island just in one day.

According to reports, around 200 sea turtles joined in mass nesting process on Feb 5 evening, while the number increased to 5,640 on Feb 6.

The mass nesting process delayed this year at Gahirmatha as compared to previous years.

With the beginning of mass nesting process, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has switched off the high-power light installed for coastal security surveillance from its Wheelers' Island missile test range centre, which is located close to turtles' mass nesting ground.

The forest department has also tightened the security for the mass nesting at Gahirmatha beach. A team led by a range officer comprising of an officer in Deputy Ranger rank, a forester and 20 security personnel has been deployed to guard the nesting points.

The administration has also banned illegal fishing activities inside the marine sanctuary deploying three trawlers and three more boats keep vigil on the fishermen.