Team Herald
PANJIM: The constant blaring music played by the organisers at Ashvem Beach, which continues to haunt the residents of the area, is now disturbing the habitat of Olive Ridley Sea turtles with only seven of them laying eggs at the nesting site.
With the Olive Ridley sea turtles choosing Ashvem-Mandrem and Morjim beaches to lay eggs, the State government declared both the places as turtle nesting sites. Accordingly, the government also reserved and cordoned 500 square metres of the beach area at Tembawada, Morjim as turtle conservation zone.
According to the Forest Department, February and March are crucial season for nesting turtles, but the ongoing activities on the beach especially the loud music parties and the glaring light effects have been affecting the turtles. During the last 45 days, 35 turtles have laid 2,900 eggs at Ashvem and Morjim, but only seven laid eggs at Ashvem, where trans music party continued beyond midnight by throwing High Court directives to the wind.
The question arises whether the government will initiate action against those who organise loud music party in close proximity of the turtle nesting site at Ashvem in violation of CRZ norms.
The Forest Department, (Wild Life and Eco-Tourism (North), Marine Range, Morjim has issued a show cause notice to the Ukiyo Beach Resort for playing loud music during night hours in violation of the CRZ norms and for erecting metallic stand/structure on the beach.
Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane who was in Pernem on Sunday has assured to take action against those who organised nigh parties and caused noise pollution under the Forest Act and the Wild Life Protection Act, when it was pointed out to him that loud music and parties are disturbing the turtle nesting sites at Ashvem.
He said that he had no personal ‘give and take’ on the issue and would take action against the violators.
The night party continued for four days at Ashvem despite the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stating that the parties will be stopped by police.
