Pollution and a complete disregard for nature have caused harm to many sentient beings. In fact, many species have already become extinct or are on their way to complete extinction.
Amidst such harrowing circumstances, Afroz Shah’s cleaning crusade of Mumbai beaches has borne surprising results. They have lead to the return of the Olive Ridley turtles on the Versova beach in Mumbai.
During a weekly clean-up of the Versova beach, a group of volunteers stumbled upon the Olive Ridley hatchlings on the wet sand. Afroz Shah, the organizer of these clean-ups, was present at the time as well and tweeted about the same.
Week 127 .
Fantastic news for Mumbai .We got back Olive Ridley Sea Turtle after 20 years. Historic moment Nested and Hatched at our beach. We facilitate their journey to ocean.Constant cleaning helps marine species.Marine conservation centre needed at @versovabeach pic.twitter.com/j79xCKamNh— Afroz Shah (@AfrozShah1) March 22, 2018
Forest officials were called over, who confirmed that the hatchlings were indeed Olive Ridley turtles, and helped them walk into the Arabian sea, without any troubles.
According to Press Trust of India, Mr. Shah was informed by forest officials that Olive Ridley turtles were last spotted on the beach nearly 20 years ago. People on Twitter were also excited about the amazing feat that Mumbai’s green crusaders achieved.
This is very good news. Raises hopes!Olive Ridley turtles hatch at Mumbai’s Versova beach for the first time in 20 years via @htTweets https://t.co/69aSAroEh1
— Jagdeep Chhokar (@JagdeepChhokar) March 23, 2018
Keep your beaches clean was not just a slogan for Shri Afroz Shah, he with his volunteers slogged tirelessly on the Versova Beach and for last 127 months n cleaned the beach, n who certified that the beach is clean enough to hatch their eggs – Olive Ridley Turtles themselves.
— Prakash Gangal (@gangalgangal) March 23, 2018
This made my day.
“For the first time in 20 years, at least 80 baby Olive Ridley turtles were spotted at Versova beach on Thursday morning, making their way to the sea.”https://t.co/A8uIL2MisE— Paromita Bardoloi (@ParomitaBardolo) March 23, 2018
on this #worldwaterday 80 Olive Ridley turtles hatch-lings found at versova beach in Mumbai ,After more than 20 years this has been recorded , Afroz and his brigade are true heros helping them walking back into the… https://t.co/1WqMaKnW8S
— Bhavik Thaker (@bhavikthaker) March 22, 2018
A warm welcome to the latest migrants at #VersovaBeach, Mumbai. They are the loveliest guests in our city. God knows from where they have arrived. Congratulations to @AfrozShah1 for becoming host of these beautiful turtles.# pic.twitter.com/3Qyxs9WYyH
— Sanjay Nirupam (@sanjaynirupam) March 22, 2018
Clearly, consistent efforts to keep our environment clean can have far reaching results!