College students express their ideas to save sea turtle at sand art competition in Nagapattinam

A district-level sand art competition for college students, organised by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, was held at Nagapattinam Old Beach to promote awareness about the conservation and ecological importance of sea turtles

A district-level sand art competition for college students, organised by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, was held at Nagapattinam Old Beach to promote awareness about the conservation and ecological importance of sea turtles.

District Collector P. Akash inaugurated the event and observed the creative sand sculptures designed by students.

The event drew participation from over 60 students representing 15 colleges, with additional contributions from schoolchildren who performed cultural programmes centred on sea turtle conservation. The initiative highlighted the crucial role sea turtles play in maintaining marine ecosystems. Nagapattinam’s coastline is home to several species of sea turtles, including Olive Ridley, Green Turtle, Hawksbill, Leatherback, and Loggerhead turtles.

Sea turtles help maintain ecological balance by feeding on jellyfish thereby protecting fish population and grazing on coral reef algae, aiding marine vegetation regeneration. However, endangered species such as the Olive Ridley face steep survival odds, with only one in a thousand hatchlings reaching adulthood.

The competition concluded with the distribution of certificates and cash prizes to the winning participants, presented by Mr. Akash and District Forest Officer Abhishek Tomar.

Turtle conservation efforts in Nagapattinam are supported by dedicated protection centres operated by the Forest Department in regions such as Samanthanpettai, Kameshwaram, Vizhundamavadi, Kodiakkarai, and Arukatuthurai. District Revenue Officer R. Baby and other government officials were present.