After 20 Years, Mumbai’s Cleaned-Up Versova Beach Plays Host To Olive Ridley Turtles. Wow!

Do you love makeovers? Then you’re going to love the makeover story of Mumbai’s Versova beach! And a major chunk of the credit for this massive beautification initiative goes to Mumbai lawyer Afroz Shah and his team of dedicated volunteers.

Despite several hindrances, and with the support of celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Aditya Thackeray, Randeep Hooda, and several others, Afroz and his team have managed to pull off a Herculean task.

And adding yet another laurel to the Versova Beach Cleanup initiative, is the news that after almost 20 years, the beach will be playing host to newly hatched Olive Ridley sea turtles!

The beach, fresh off its cleanliness drive, is now suitable to become a home to these marine creatures!

Yes yes .. We did it .. Thank you Afroz . Here is the journey . lovely Mumbaikars . we did . Urban cities getting our olive Ridley turtle back . pic.twitter.com/vg4ZJe5cTk

— Clean Up Versova (@versovabeach) March 22, 2018

Afroz Shah tweeted lovely pictures of these little fellas, taking a tour of their new home!

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

Cuties, aren’t they? But just getting them here isn’t the end of the road. In fact, it is only the beginning. Afroz, in his tweet, has called for a marine conservation centre for Versova beach, which will ensure the safety and thriving of these turtles.

Twitter is flooded with congratulatory messages for Afroz and his team, commending them for pulling off such a historic moment!

These guys deserve all the praise they’re getting! Even celebs are joining in the congratulatory fray!

1. Truly!

Grateful https://t.co/xYwtzftRdc

— TheRichaChadha (@RichaChadha) March 22, 2018

2. Yes way, José!

This is incredible

— José Covaco (@HoeZaay) March 22, 2018

3. It’s so awesome, we could sing!

This is awesome !! https://t.co/G4tiKcWW3e

— Caralisa Monteiro (@runcaralisarun) March 22, 2018

4. These guys are the real MVP!

What a joyous moment … great going all involved – you guys are all STARS !!! Many hugs and many thanks https://t.co/RTuIg8SudJ

— GOURMANDIZERS (@rockyandmayur) March 22, 2018

5. Word.

Hope. #oliveridley #mumbai https://t.co/Z6KjIAAcGi

— Suktara Ghosh (@Rahi_SG) March 22, 2018

6. Odisha is were you’d usually find Olive Ridley sea turtles, but now Mumbaikers don’t have to go that far!

OMG!!!!!! I always wanted to go to Orissa to see this! I can’t believe it’s happening here https://t.co/KUvQQ9XShE

— K (@kaychandani) March 22, 2018

7. Make a difference!

This is such awesome news! Shows that even few people can make a real difference. #Mumbai https://t.co/hb4ol99wV9

— Sneha Mahale (@randomcards) March 22, 2018

8. From being the dirtiest beach to this! AMAZING!

This is HISTORIC From being the worst nd dirtiest beach..to turtle hatchlings nd nest being found on Thursday mrng at d #VersovaBeach @AfrozShah1 @Pugdandee made sure they reach sea safely. This seems to be the first record of such activity on a #Mumbai beach in 15 yrs @dna pic.twitter.com/YUXadS1GdY

— Virat A Singh (@tweetsvirat) March 22, 2018

9. Don’t underestimate the power of a common man!

This happens when you follow your path with sheer dedication.
Power of a common man. Hat's off to him https://t.co/7TCz1OXv8K

— Cutting chai (@cutting_chaii) March 22, 2018

10. The Marine Knight!

This is your victory and your reward, Afroz. You're the hero we need but don't deserve. Thank you for perhaps the best news from a life spent in Bombay 🙂 https://t.co/jFBy4faGgu

— Manan Dhuldhoya (@manandhuldhoya) March 22, 2018

11. Real heroes don’t wear capes!

Real heroes don't wear cape's.. They are just common people like you and me.. Thank you @AfrozShah1 ♥️♥️♥️🙏🏾🙏🏾 https://t.co/gqSKedmZCU

— Kimmy G (@SniperRani) March 22, 2018

Indeed an admirable achievement by Afroz Shah and his team! Also, a warm, clean and beachy welcome to our little guests! Hope you like aamchi Mumbai!