Govt pursuing plan for Galgibaga turtle conservation reserve

PANAJI: If all goes well, the state will soon have its first turtle conservation reserve at Galgibaga in south Goa, as the government is moving ahead with a proposal to acquire land for the project.

Four beaches, two in Morjim and Mandrem in north Goa's Pernem taluka and an identical number, Agonda and Galgibaga in south Goa are designated as turtle nesting sites under coastal regulations zone notification 2011.

Though turtle conservation has been adversely affected by tourism activities and partly by fluctuations in arrivals of Olive Ridley turtles for nesting on all four beaches, the proposal for a turtle conservation reserve is expected to provide a boost for the programme on the quietest nesting sites in the state.

Both Morjim and Mandrem have turned into noisy beaches, with a drastic rise in tourism activities and late night parties disturbing the nesting of turtles.

In south Goa, Agonda appears to have a better blend of tourism and nesting activities with a part of the beach earmarked for nesting and stakeholders observing rules in switching of lights soon after dusk.

Galgibaga does not have much tourism activity and is an ideal location for nesting of turtles, though the beach has been heavily eroded in recent years.

The forest department is planning to acquire 1,55,775 square metres for the project.