After a turtle walked ashore and back without laying its eggs on December 27, 2024, one walked ashore early on December 28 morning, laid sixty-five eggs and left them to the care of locals from Agonda.
The people of the village, tourists and turtle guards were all smiles as news spread around. “It has added to our cheer. We were waiting for a while and with the weather playing funny, we weren’t sure,” says Angela who was brimming with joy.
The first sighting of a turtle walking back without laying its eggs confused the locals who have grown up as guardians of turtles walking ashore to lay their eggs and trusting the eggs’ future to them.
“The news that a turtle walked ashore and laid its eggs is always special to all of us. Turtles play a great part in our ecosystem, and it is not only our duty to nurture them but everyone’s,” says Range Forest Officer (RFO) Rajesh Naik.
The first turtle to walk ashore last year was on November 16, and the delay this year had many wondering.
“Our role is not only to protect the environment but make all understand that the duty to protect turtles and its hatchlings is everyone’s. There has to be awareness amongst people and even the tourists. It’s only then that turtle conservation will be a success,” stresses Naik.
The first turtle to walk ashore last year was on November 16, and the delay this year had many wondering. “When it rains, they do not come ashore because the sand becomes hard after the rains and it is not conducive,” reasons Rajesh.
“The weather was stormy yesterday and the day before. And though we expected the turtles to start coming ashore, we were not too worried because of the weather,” says Rajesh.
The turtle nesting site which was right behind the church last year has been shifted and is now closer to guest houses along the seafront. “The place is shifted every year or two,” observed Rajesh.
We were surprised this morning after being informed that a turtle has washed ashore and has laid eggs. It is nice to see the villagers so actively involved in conserving turtles.Jean, French tourist
“We were surprised this morning after being informed that a turtle has washed ashore and has laid eggs. It is nice to see the villagers so actively involved in conserving turtles,” observed Jean from France, who is on a short holiday to study yoga.
“The feeling this morning was special on the beach with locals and others all gathering around the site where the eggs have been transplanted and kept. The attitude of the people is heart-warming,” said Jean.
“We are so happy that we pray that this year more turtles will come ashore and lay more eggs. We want to break records of last year because looking after the eggs and later releasing the hatchlings is a special feeling,” says turtle guard Ajay Pagi.
“We are happy that the nesting site has been re-located near our hotel. Our foreign guests are thrilled and have promised to keep guard of not only the eggs but keep a watch for any turtles coming ashore to lay eggs,” reveals Francis who manages an outlet close to the site.
Agonda and its residents are fortunate indeed to be guardians of nature in a world where nature is incessantly attacked.
“Turtles look after the ecosystem of the sea, and it is only for four months of the year that we need to look after them. I do not think it is a big call. We have been asked to co-operate by the Forest Department and we are only too happy,” he adds.
That the sighting of a turtle and its laying of eggs have left a village happy, is an indicator of a good mindset. Agonda and its residents are fortunate indeed to be guardians of nature in a world where nature is incessantly attacked.