‘An initiative towards conservation of Sea turtles with People’s participation from all walks of Life’
Campbell Bay, March 13: Turtle Festival was celebrated at B-Quarry beach, Campbell Bay with the theme - ‘An initiative towards conservation of Sea turtles with People’s participation from all walks of Life’ today. The festival was attended by around 20 School students, accompanied by teachers of GPS, Campbell Bay. The Turtle Festival campaign was first of its kind organized by Nicobar Forest Division. Shri E.S. Rajesh, Pramukh, Panchayat Samiti graced the occasion as the chief guest, accompanied by Shri Venkat, Pradhan, GP, Govindnagar and Shri Vishnu, Researcher, Wildlife Institute of India. The importance of the occasion and the purpose of organizing such a unique festival was briefed by the Divisional Forest Officer, and Assistant Conservator of Forests, Nicobar Division.
The chief guest of the occasion stressed upon the need for conservation of the unique species of sea turtle like the Leatherback turtle which fortunately nests only in very few specific beaches in GNI and Little Andaman in the entire Indian territory and further he assured to extend all co-operation of the PRI members and general public in the effort of conservation that is being initiated by Nicobar Forest Division.
The invitees and students got the opportunity to release fresh hatchlings of Sea Turtle into the sea at the end of the programme. The students showcased unmatched enthusiasm and were delighted to be a part of this activity. A total of forty newly hatched out hatchlings of Leatherback Sea Turtle and two hundred hatchlings of Olive Ridley Sea turtle were safely released into the sea by the participants and school students embarking their journey into the ocean. All the participants had lauded the efforts made by the Department during the programme.
As per the communication from Divisional Forest Office, Campbell Bay, further such type of Turtle Festival will be organized in various other beaches of Great Nicobar Island involving people from all walks of life to further the initiative of conservation of sea turtles.