Palghar: A 16-metre-long baleen whale was found dead on the beach near Chikhale Creek bridge in Dahanu taluka on Sunday morning. A forest department team rushed to the spot and collected samples from the carcass. The whale was later buried near the shoreline using an excavator.According to forest officials, the male whale was estimated to be around 25 years old and weighed approximately 20 tonnes. It was found lying on its back. Officials suspect that it may have been washed ashore by strong tidal currents during high tide on Saturday night.The forest department, Indian Coast Guard and local marine rescue teams jointly carried out the operation to retrieve and dispose of the carcass.The burial was delayed as the area was submerged during high tide. The team waited for the water level to recede before starting the excavation work after 5 pm. Once the pit was ready around 8.30 pm, the carcass was buried and covered with soil. The exact cause of the whale’s death will be known after the examination report is received.Meanwhile, the forest department has urged citizens not to touch any dead or injured marine animals found along the coast and to immediately report such incidents on its toll-free helpline number 1926.
