Will act against those violating turtle conservation zone: Rane

Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane while speaking to media persons.

PERNEM

Stating that the forest department is serious about the turtle conservation sites at Morjim, Ashwem, Harmal and Mandrem beaches, Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane has warned that those trying to disturb the turtle conservation sites would face strict action.

He was replying to media persons while attending a health camp in Pernem.

When he was asked about the Olive Ridley turtles getting disturbed with loud noise and bright lights while they come to the beaches to lay eggs, the minister said: Whatever legal action can be taken under the law to protect the turtles, will be taken. Forest officers have been instructed to protect the turtles.”

There have been multiple complaints of loud music being played overnight and bright lights at the beach area, which affects the natural breeding of the sea turtles.

In one case, an Olive Ridley turtle returned to the sea without laying eggs after being disturbed by tourists at the beach.

Hatchlings tend to get distract with the bright lights and proceed in the wrong direction, only to get killed.

Despite the loud noise and bright lights, 35 sea turtles came to Morjim and Ashwem beaches and laid 2,900 eggs. The forest department is protecting these eggs now.

COMPLAINT FILED

In a related development, forest officers at Morjim have lodged a complaint in the Pernem Police Station on Sunday, stating that turtle nests are being disturbed due to noise pollution on the beaches at Morjim, Ashwem, Mandrem and Arambol.

The complaint states that there is continuous noise pollution at these beaches and loud noise impacts the breeding of the turtles, stated the complaint.

Locals have also alleged that loud noise and music go on even after the High Court ordered a ban on music after 10 pm. They further alleged that even after complaining at the police station about the noise pollution and late night parties, no action has been taken by the police.

The responsibility to take action lies with the police and the deputy collector of the area concerned.

With the forest officers lodging a complaint against noise pollution in the Pernem police station, locals await positive action by the police in efforts to curb the nuisance of noise pollution, which disturbs the Olive Ridley turtles and locals alike.