ANJUNA: The northern beach belt of Goa seems to have become a permanent home for a large number of Olive ridley sea turtles as after Morjim, the sea turtles have now made Vagator beach their home and continuous marks on the beach have led forest officials to now keep a strict vigil on the beach.
After declaring Morjim beach as a safe turtle nesting site, the forest officials have now started keeping a strict vigil over Vagator beach as sea turtles have started showing their presence in the area.
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Locals who go for a morning walk on the beach have informed that of late, it is a common practise to see footprints of turtles on the beach. Forest officials who were tipped off about the situation recently visited the site and shifted around 600 eggs.
Sources in the department informed that probably as the rave parties on the Vagator coastline have come down and also there is now less activity on the beaches at night, the turtles have started appearing and laying their eggs on the beach.
Meanwhile, chairman of the Anjuna biodiversity committee, Ramesh Naik said that he will be writing to the Forest Minister, Vishwajit Rane to declare the Vagator beach as a protected site and eco-sensitive zone, in view of the sudden rise of olive Ridley turtles, who have now made the beach their nesting site .
“Practically, everyday in the morning one can witness their marks on the beach which means that after Morjim, Vagator has now become the next destination of the Olive ridley turtles. We will go all out in protecting them and ensuring their safety,” he remarked.
He also said that Rane has also taken serious note of it through his ‘X’ handle and has vowed all possible help.
Naik added that the reduction of rave parties, night life on beaches, vehicular movement on beaches at night, loud party music has helped these turtles to come to Vagator beach.
