Bhubaneswar: Amid Rath Yatra buzz in Puri, a huge art installation of Olive Ridley turtles attracted the attention of pilgrims and tourists. The sculpture of a mother turtle measuring 30-ft-long, 12-ft-high and and 20-ft-wide and baby turtles going into the sea and eggs are not just a visual spectacle but aimed at creating awareness on conservation of Olive Ridley turtles.
The installations in fiberglass are created by artist and creative visualizer Kirti Kishore Maharana, who raised the issue of dwindling numbers of Olive Ridley turtles as they are facing threats from plastic pollution to illegal fishing practices and limited nesting sites globally.
“While walking along the beach a few months back, I came across the carcass of an Olive Ridley turtle being eaten by stray dogs. That 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 Ratha Yatra when lakhs of devotees from across the country congregate here?,” added Maharana, who created the Odisha tableau for Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26, 2024. The tableau bagged the first prize.
Noted conservationist and former chief conservator of forests, Odisha, Arun Kumar Mishra inaugurated the art installation. “This art installation is a powerful testament to the urgency of conserving our natural heritage. The Olive Ridley turtles are a symbol of resilience, and through this creative expression, we hope to inspire collective action to protect them,” he said.
In 2002, the state govt implemented stringent laws to prohibit trawling and trade of turtles, preserving the state’s natural heritage. It took 13 artists and sculptors seven days to make this 17-tonne installation.
“It’s incredible to see such large-scale artwork with a message. The turtles look so lifelike. It’s a beautiful reminder of the importance of protecting wildlife,” said Ananya Das, a tourist from Kolkata.

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