Photo Credits: File photo
MAPUSA
In a rare and extraordinary occurrence, an Olive Ridley sea turtle was spotted laying eggs on Calangute beach, a location usually bustling with tourists.
The event, witnessed by a routine Goa Police patrol team, has sparked excitement among environmentalists and local authorities, given the beach’s reputation as a crowded tourist hotspot.
According to reports, the police team noticed the turtle late at night as it meticulously dug a nest and began laying eggs. A total of 126 eggs were deposited in the sand, a significant number considering the usual disturbances on this particular stretch of the coastline.
Recognising the ecological importance of the moment, a vigilant tourist police constable immediately alerted the forest department. Responding swiftly, forest officials reached the site and carefully secured the eggs.
“We will transfer the eggs to the Morjim hatchery, where they will be monitored and protected. After around 50 days, once they hatch, the baby turtles will be released into the sea,” a senior forest official confirmed.
Calangute beach, often referred to as the ‘Queen of Beaches,’ is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Goa, frequented by thousands of visitors daily. The presence of beach shacks, water sports activities and large crowds has made it an unlikely site for turtle nesting in recent years.
Premanand Diukar, a member of the biodiversity committee of the Calangute panchayat, expressed his astonishment at the occurrence. “Many years ago, we used to see Olive Ridley turtles nesting at Khobravaddo, Calangute. However, due to increasing human activity, this phenomenon had nearly disappeared from this part of the coast. It is indeed a pleasant and unexpected surprise that a turtle has chosen to lay its eggs here,” he said.
Olive Ridley turtles are a vulnerable species, protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of India, 1972. Their nesting habits are crucial for maintaining the ecological balance of marine biodiversity.
Typically, these turtles prefer quieter beaches such as Morjim, Agonda, and Galgibaga in Goa, which are designated turtle nesting sites with dedicated conservation measures in place. Lately, turtle nesting sites were also spotted in Vagator in Anjuna.
This unusual nesting event highlights the resilience of nature and brings renewed attention to the importance of preserving Goa’s coastal ecosystem. Conservationists are hopeful that this occurrence will inspire stronger protection measures to ensure that such rare moments continue to happen despite the growing tourism industry.
