Team Herald
MARGAO: On the occasion of World Turtle Day, the Department of Forests, Wildlife & Eco-Tourism South Goa Division, South Marine Range, along with NGOs conducted an awareness programme on turtle protection at Galgibaga, which was attended by villagers of Galgibaga and and surrounding areas.
They also opened a Marine Rescue Centre at the Aquem Forest Colony Complex, Margao.
Staff and workers assisting in protecting the endangered sea-turtle, were felicitated.
An awareness lecture was delivered by Deputy Conservator of Forests, Aniket P Gaonkar, Assistant Conservator of Forests Damodar Salelkar, as well the representatives of two NGOs, Terra Conscious Director, Puja Mitra and Reef Watch Project Coordinator, Manisha Rao. Technical aspects were shared and explained by Marine Range (South) RFO Rajesh V Naik.
Forest Staff (Marine Rescuers) and Forest Engaged Personnel engaged in protecting the Turtle Pits, the personnel from Drishti lifesavers and staff of KCIC (Karnataka Commercial and Industrial Corporation- Beach Cleaning and Protection Staff) were felicitated on the occasion for their unwavering dedication in ensuring safety and preservation of coastal Areas.
Some of these staff honoured on the occasion were Ulhas Pagi, Sameer Bhandari, Tukaram Metriu, Sham Bhandari, Ajay Pagi, Yesu Pagi, Sandeep Pagi, Nestor Fernandes, John Monteiro, Sarveshg Pagi, Dipti Pagi, Jarfino Carvalho, Dadapir Mulla, Sarvesh Chopdekar, Akshay Pagi, Sanjeev Metri, Ram Bhandari, Kripash Pagi, Devendra Pagi, Siddhesh Kankonkar, Sandesh Velip, and Vidit Mokhardkar.
Also present on the occasion were Assistant Conservator of Forests Damodar P Saleli and other staff of Forest Department (Wildlife).
State Assembly Speaker, Ramesh Tawadkar also congratulated the Forest staff for their brave deeds in ensuring the safety, protecting and taking care of the marine endangered species.
Commending their work further, he asked the Forest Department to continue to keep the beaches and surrounding environment clean.
