Team Herald
PERNEM: Locals have demanded for a 24×7 watch to be kept on the sea turtles which arrive at Morjim beach to lay eggs. In the wake of a recent incident when an Olive Ridley turtle returned to the sea without laying eggs after being disturbed by the visitors, villagers have expressed the need to deploy a forest guard to make sure that the turtles are not interrupted.
Parts of the coastal area have been reserved for turtle preservation but notably, the Department of Tourism has at the same time given permits to run shacks and other businesses which are proving to be hazardous for the turtles.
Hatchlings hatch after 50-52 days and make their way towards the sea. The eggs hatch mostly during the night and hatchlings find their way by tracking the shiny water at night.
However due to the constant lighting used by businesses set up on the beaches, the hatchlings are now finding it difficult to make it to the sea water making them vulnerable for the attacks by their predators.
