The Bombay High Court at Goa has come as a saviour against coastal violations once again, this time for the Olive Ridley turtles, a protected species known for nesting along the shores. The turtles are growing increasingly vulnerable due to a lack of effective action from local authorities. Like several other beaches, coastal Agonda, a popular beach destination in South Goa has been traditionally a favourite home for the turtle. While the nesting seasons in the past have seen an unprecedented increase in the number of Olive Ridley turtle nests with over 10,000 eggs laid on beaches like Agonda and Galjibaga, the dwindling numbers serve as a grim reminder of the over-exploitation of beaches.
The High Court of Bombay in Goa intervened on Wednesday, highlighting the ongoing violations of environmental regulations and ordering a halt to 67 business activities along Agonda beach. This action exposes the hypocrisy of authorities in permitting commercial developments in protected areas under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
The issue is not about Agonda alone. These turtles have also been laying eggs at popular beaches like Calangute, Morjim, Ashvem, Anjuna, Vagator and even Candolim. The irresponsible issuance of permits for noisy and intrusive establishments in some notified areas of the North Goa coast, which exacerbate light and noise pollution during the turtles’ nesting and hatching periods, raises critical concerns about the commitment of the panchayat bodies, Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) and the Forest Department to safeguarding these vulnerable species.
The evidence presented in court, including Google Earth images depicting illegal structures proliferating along the coast, exposes a systemic failure within regulatory frameworks. Despite the legal designation of these areas as No Development Zones, business entities have continued to flourish nearly unchecked, demonstrating either ineffective enforcement of existing regulations or a flagrant disregard for them. This negligence not only endangers the Olive Ridley turtles but undermines the moral and legal obligations of the authorities entrusted with their protection.
By permitting large-scale events and developments near nesting sites, the authorities have directly contravened the High Court’s orders to prioritize ecological integrity over commercial interests. The bold assertion of financial gain over the sanctity of protected habitats is testimony to a trend in which economic motivations overpower ecological responsibilities.
The release of the hatchlings into the sea in recent times is indeed encouraging, but that's largely due to the unwavering efforts of local communities and NGOs. Their commitment to conservation efforts stands in stark contrast to the disregard shown by authorities and those setting up establishments in clear defiance of CRZ rules. The High Court’s directive for immediate action should be taken seriously. It must catalyze a comprehensive reevaluation of practices surrounding coastal and environmental regulations in Goa. Authorities need to be held accountable, not only for past transgressions but also for future commitments to ecological preservation.
While the court has been the last resort for common citizens, the question that will haunt us is whether authorities will step up not just in Agonda, but across Goa or if we will continue to witness the slow erosion of our environmental protections until our coasts are mere shadows of the crucial ecosystems they once were. The time for complacency is over; now is the moment for action, accountability, and change.
