HC issues notice to Centre seeking protestion of Vagator olice ridley turtle nesting

Panaji: The Bombay high court on Monday issued a notice to the Union ministry for environment, forest and climate change in a PIL seeking protection of olive ridley turtles that have begun nesting in recent years at Vagator beach.The petition was filed by Chameleon Wildlife Organisation through its secretary Aaron Fernandes, alleging failure of wildlife authorities under the forest department to discharge mandatory duties under environmental and wildlife protection laws.The PIL states that despite repeated complaints about destructive activities such as loud music and bright LED lighting near turtle nesting areas at Mhairi, also known as Dream beach in Vagator, authorities failed to conduct inspections, initiate enquiries, or take action.

Advocate Om D’Costa, representing the organisation, told the court that inaction has repeatedly disturbed turtle nesting, which normally takes place between Nov and May. He said the turtles, listed as a Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, often returned to the sea without nesting due to loud music and flashing lights. D’Costa submitted that Mhairi beach has recorded significant nesting activity in recent years.

He said the figures show the beach is an active and ecologically significant nesting site. However, fireworks, intense lighting and loud music late into the night continue to disturb the coastal environment and turtles’ nesting behaviour. The PIL seeks directions to the forest department to prepare a turtle conservation plan for Mhairi, restrict commercial activities, loud music and deploy staff to patrol beach during nesting season.