Barricades have been placed around the turtle egg nests to protect them. Captured by : Nivrutti Shirodkar
PERNEM
The coastal region of Morjim Panchayat has witnessed a remarkable success in its Sea Turtle Conservation Campaign, spearheaded by the Forest Department, Marine Line, and local authorities. Setting a historical milestone, over 112 Olive Ridley turtles have laid more than eleven thousand eggs over a span of two months, marking the highest recorded numbers in the area’s history.
For the past twenty-five years, concerted efforts have been made to safeguard sea turtles in the Morjim’s Tembwada coastal area. Initially initiated by the Forest Department and later continued in collaboration with Marine Line, these efforts have led to the declaration of two highly sensitive beaches, Morjim and Mandrem, as silent zones. Despite facing challenges such as noise pollution and disruptions from human activities, sea turtles have demonstrated resilience by continuing to nest in significant numbers.
The nesting season commenced in early December along the Tembwada coastal area, where vigilant monitoring and protection measures have been implemented by the Forest Department. To ensure the safety of the eggs, round-the-clock security is provided, with strict measures in place to prevent any disturbances, including the deployment of trained dogs to deter potential threats.
However, despite stringent regulations imposed by the Central and State governments designating certain areas as silent zones, enforcement remains lax, particularly in private establishments such as hotels and restaurants. Concerns have been raised regarding the unchecked proliferation of noise pollution, alcohol-fueled festivities, and unauthorized construction, highlighting the need for consistent implementation of conservation laws.
While efforts to raise awareness about sea turtle conservation through seasonal huts have been undertaken, challenges persist due to restrictions imposed by Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) laws on concrete construction. Calls for the establishment of study centers dedicated to sea turtle conservation have been made, emphasizing the importance of educational initiatives supported by the Forest Department.
However, amidst the commendable progress in sea turtle conservation, recent incidents of tourists obstructing nesting turtles underscore the ongoing challenges. Environmentalists stress the importance of public cooperation and adherence to conservation guidelines to ensure the uninterrupted nesting process of these vulnerable species.
