Haryana turtles flee toxic pond, face road peril

Hundreds of rare turtles in Haryana's Fatehabad district are in peril as their protected habitat has become toxic. The Shri Guru Gorakhnath Community Reserve, home to Indian Softshell, Red-roofed, and Indian Peacock turtles, is reportedly suffering from untreated sewage and official neglect, turning it into a hazardous environment.

Environmentalists report that the contaminated water is causing skin lesions, fungal infections, and blindness among the turtles. Consequently, these protected species are being forced to abandon the reserve and cross roads and agricultural fields in search of cleaner water, with many tragically succumbing to vehicular accidents.

Conservationist Vaishali Rana has initiated efforts to register a criminal case against wildlife officials and reserve management for allegedly allowing sewage discharge and disregarding previous inspection directives. The situation is exacerbated by a lack of proper fencing, which allows stray dogs to prey on eggs and cattle to damage nesting sites.

While a senior wildlife official cited fund shortages for delayed remedial actions, including sewage diversion and fencing, locals allege widespread official apathy and alleged diversion of previously allocated funds. This situation underscores a critical environmental and wildlife protection failure in the region.