The number of Olive Ridley turtles nesting at Mahiri Beach – also known as Dream Beach – has dropped significantly this season, prompting concern and criticism from local conservationists. Members of the Anjuna Biodiversity Board allege that the sharp decline, from 20 turtles last year to just 12 this year, is a direct result of police inaction in the face of repeated violations of wildlife and noise regulations.
“The Anjuna Police ignored formal complaints from the Forest Department about fireworks and illegal trance parties on the beach,” said Satyan Harmalkar, a member of the Biodiversity Board. “This blatant disregard for the law by those entrusted to enforce it is not just negligent — it’s dangerous.” Harmalkar pointed out that the loud music at these parties violates noise pollution orders of the Supreme Court.
Documents accessed byO Heraldoreveal that on January 20, 2025, Range Forest Officer T B Kharbe informed the Anjuna Police and the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) about laser and LED light displays observed during a night patrol on January 9 at Vagator Beach. The report warned that these lights were ‘very harmful and dangerous’ to Schedule-I marine wildlife, such as Olive Ridley turtles.
Despite this warning, there was no reported action from the police. A second letter, dated February 25, 2025, from Range Forest Officer Atmaram Gauns reiterated concerns. It cited similar disturbances observed during a patrol on February 21, including fireworks and loud music from W Hotel – activities that pose a threat to nesting turtles.
Mahiri Beach:12 turtles, 1229 eggs
Querim Beach:12 turtles, 1,283 eggs
Mandrem Beach:23 turtles, 2,375 eggs
Calangute Beach:5 turtles, 500 eggs
Arambol Beach:3 turtles, 384 eggs
Candolim Beach:4 turtles, 466 eggs
Sinquerim Beach:2 turtles, 183 eggs
Anjuna Beach:1 turtle, 132 eggs
Dona Paula:1 turtle, 139 eggs
(Figures provided by the Forest Department)
OLIVE RIDLEY NESTING IN NORTH GOA IN 2025
Mahiri Beach:12 turtles, 1229 eggs
Querim Beach:12 turtles, 1,283 eggs
Mandrem Beach:23 turtles, 2,375 eggs
Calangute Beach:5 turtles, 500 eggs
Arambol Beach:3 turtles, 384 eggs
Candolim Beach:4 turtles, 466 eggs
Sinquerim Beach:2 turtles, 183 eggs
Anjuna Beach:1 turtle, 132 eggs
Dona Paula:1 turtle, 139 eggs
(Figures provided by the Forest Department)
Local resident Maxi D’Souza expressed frustration over the ongoing issue. “I’ve submitted multiple written and oral complaints to the police, but there has been zero action,” he said.
Interestingly, both forest department letters mention identical GPS coordinates — N15°36’15” E73°43’58” — pinpointing repeated violations at the same location.
When contacted, Anjuna Police Inspector Suraj Gawas said, “I am not aware of the letters you are referring to. If there are complaints, we act. However, I will cross-check and ensure there is no repetition if such incidents have occurred.”
Residents, however, remain unconvinced. “The police should stop hiding behind excuses and start enforcing the law,” said Violeta Fernandes, a Vagator local.
According to data obtained via an RTI from the Forest Department, the first Olive Ridley turtle of the season arrived at Mahiri Beach on January 23, 2025, laying 36 eggs. The last turtle was recorded on March 22, laying 161 eggs.
“The delayed arrival of the turtles was clearly due to unauthorised all-night parties, which were held with full police knowledge,” said Harmalkar. “Things only changed after the Director General of Police personally intervened and halted the Karakus Maracus New Year’s Eve party at 10 pm.”
Retired Captain Gerald Fernandes, the first recipient of Goa’s Wildlife Award and a member of the Noise Monitoring Committee appointed by the Bombay High Court’s Goa Bench, highlighted the ecological impact. “Turtles nest according to the lunar cycle. They prefer to come ashore during new moon nights when it's dark, and hatchlings emerge around the full moon, guided by the moonlight. Artificial lights and loud noises disorient them,” he explained.
Captain Fernandes urged authorities to impose strict bans on fireworks and amplified music during turtle nesting season. “Protecting these endangered creatures must be a priority,” he stated.