A sanctuary turned death trap: Turtles flee poisoned waters of Kajalheri
The species found here enjoy the highest level of statutory protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, at par with the tiger and rhinoceros. They are also listed as threatened species under the IUCN Red List.
The pond in Kajalheri village, once a sanctuary for rare turtles, has become a death trap due to untreated sewage and neglect by authorities. The Shri Guru Gorakhnath Community Reserve, home to 150-200 Indian Softshell, Red-roofed, and Indian Peacock turtles, has seen the turtles flee for cleaner water, often resulting in their deaths on roads and in agricultural fields.
The turtles face additional threats from stray dogs, cattle, and the lack of proper fencing, which allows them to destroy nests and trample eggs. Despite the turtles' high level of statutory protection and threatened status, remedial measures have been delayed due to a shortage of funds. Locals blame official apathy and a nexus between Panchayat and wildlife officials for the crisis, alleging that allocated funds were misused.
Brief written by urgent.news from The Hindu's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
