Turtles nest on Vagator beach sparks conservation efforts

MAPUSA

The coastal village of Anjuna is once again witnessing a natural spectacle, as Olive Ridley turtles have laid their eggs on Vagator beach, sparking celebration among local residents and renewed calls for conservation efforts.

The discovery was made by the Chairman of the Anjuna-Caisua Biodiversity Management Committee, Ramesh Naik, who identified distinctive turtle footprints on the sand.

Recognising the significance of the find, Naik promptly alerted forest officials, ensuring that swift action was taken to protect the delicate eggs.

In response, the Forest Department intervened immediately, transferring the eggs to the Tortoise Conservation Centre in Morjim, where they are being safeguarded until hatching.

“This time, the nesting site was observed on the opposite side of the beach, near the popular Mahalakshmi Bar and Restaurant,” Naik reported, highlighting the dynamic nature of the turtles’ nesting habits.

Naik has previously reached out to the Goa State Biodiversity Board, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), and other relevant departments.

In his appeals, he urged these bodies to conduct thorough investigations and formally designate Vagator beach as a turtle conservation site.

His continued efforts underscore the importance of protecting the region’s unique biodiversity against the backdrop of rapid coastal development.

At the behest of the Anjuna-Caisua Biodiversity Management Committee, the Forest Department has escalated its monitoring operations along Vagator beach.

Dedicated staff members now conduct daily inspections each morning to ensure that the nesting sites are secure and to deter any disturbances that could jeopardise the turtles’ reproductive success.