Turtle nests swelling in Goa
RUPESH SAMANT (PTI), PANAJI | 13 April 2012 12:13 IST
The turtle conservation project in Goa has received a massive boost after record number of turtle nestings were reported on the state's beaches this year and more such shorelines were added to the list.
The beaches of Morjim and Ashwem witnessed an unusual number of Olive Ridley turtles visiting these beaches, who were taken into care and protection by the state forest department.
The turtles visit the beaches to lay eggs from November to April every year.
The state forest department officials are vouching for high number of turtle nestings in North Goa.
Deputy Conservator of Forest D N F Carvalho said that Morjim beach had record number of 13 nests while Ashwem, which had ceased to get turtles to lay their eggs since 2003 had three nests.
While forest department officials were busy protecting nests at these two sites, nests were also reported from Baga and Vagator, even though thery are very noisy due to thick presence of tourists.
The forest department has taken the initiative to provide a conducive atmosphere for turtles to lay their eggs and also looks after he eggs till they are hatched at these beaches.
The state government's turtle protection project had hit a roadblock last year after only three nests were reported at Morjim beach.
Worries were expressed that turtles might not turn up to Goan shorelines, that are over-exploited for tourism purposes. Carvalho said corrective measures were implemented which finally fetched results.
"The department took steps like restriction of lightings towards the sea at these protected sites," Carvalho said.
And now, the results are encouraging.
This is great. Hope that more and more turtles visit the Indian coastline each year.