Panaji: State Forest Department has taken strong objection to a private festival near turtle nesting site at Morjim beach in North Goa, scheduled to be held on May 25.
The ‘Latern Festival’ also known as ‘Glow Fest’ is scheduled to be held on May 25 at Morjim beach which is notified as a turtle nesting site.
Deputy Conservator of Forest Prem Kumar in a letter written to Secretary of State Environment Department has pointed out that Goa Forest Department has a Turtle hatchery at Morjim Beach.
“It is to mention that the entire stretch of Morjim Beach is a nesting site of Olive Ridley Turtles,” the letter reads.
Kumar said that the organisation of the said festival will be a violation of rules and regulation of Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority.
“In this regard, letters have already been issued from the office of Range Forest officer, Marine range, Wildlife and Eco-tourism (North), Goa to the Member Secretary, Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority and to Police Inspector, Morjim,” he said.
Kumar, in the letter to Environment Secretary, has said that necessary intervention from your office is solicited under applicable rules and regulations to maintain the sanctity of the turtle hatchery and the nesting sites at Morjim beach.
