NT Reporter
Panaji
The High Court of Bombay at Goa has issued notices to the state government, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority and the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in a public interest litigation (PIL) concerning the ecologically sensitive nesting habitat of the Olive Ridley turtle at ‘Mhairi’, also known as Dream Beach, in Vagator.
The High Court granted leave to implead the Ministry of Environment as respondent No. 4 and directed that the amendment be carried out forthwith. The matter has been posted for hearing on March 23.
The petition, filed by Chameleon Wildlife Organisation, alleged a “systematic failure” of state authorities to curb illegal activities that are driving away the endangered species.
The petitioner contended that the beach has recorded significant nesting activity, with 1,868 eggs laid in early 2024 alone, but the site is under constant pressure from unregulated commercial activity.
According to the petition, the nesting season is being disrupted by loud amplified music played throughout the night, bright LED lighting and laser beams from shore-side establishments and commercial fishing vessels, and routine firework displays that startle nesting turtles and force them back into the ocean.
The petition further said that hatchlings, which are guided by the shimmer of the moon upon the sea, become disoriented by artificial LED lights and move inland instead of towards the sea, resulting in their death.
