Panjim: The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has decided that the beaches of Morjim, Mandrem, Agonda and Galjibag- the turtle nesting zones- to be declared as “Silence Zone”.
During the recent meeting, the Authority decided that the beaches of Morjim and Mandrem in Pernem Taluka in North and Agonda and Galjibag in Canacona Taluka, South be declared as ‘Silence Zones’, to ensure that there are no disturbance during turtle nesting process.
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The Authority has also roped in Centre for Environment Education (CEE) to prepare Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) to protect turtle-nesting grounds along these beaches.
The High Court, in September, last year, directed GCZMA to prepare a management plan for protection of the turtle nesting sites within the next three months.
During its recent meeting, GZCMA deliberated and decided on the preparation of a management plan for the protection of turtle nesting sites. The members were of the opinion that there could not be a blanket ban on the entire beach stretches and that there should be a proper management plan to strike a balance between environment and livelihood.
“Without human intervention there won’t be proper protection and growth of the endangered species,” the authority noted.
As per CRZ Notification 2011, Clause 8 (3) (vii) provides that the beaches of Mandrem, Morjim, Galgibag and Agonda have been designated as turtle nesting sites and protected under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and these areas shall be surveyed and management plan prepared for protection of these turtle nesting sites and that no development shall be permitted in the turtle bleeding areas.
