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Goa Wildlife Panel Fights for Vagator's Turtle Sanctuary
5 Jan
Summary
- Anjuna-Caisua BMC demands protected status for Vagator beach.
- Authorities dispute turtle nesting despite documented evidence.
- Inter-departmental conflict delays recognition of vital habitat.
The Anjuna-Caisua Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) is urgently seeking official recognition for Vagator beach as a protected turtle nesting site. The committee has presented evidence of turtle nesting over the past four years to the forest department and the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Despite detailed records showing thousands of hatchlings released from 2022 to 2024, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) stated in an order dated July 18, 2025, that there was no credible evidence of nesting. The GCZMA also noted that Vagator is not among Goa's officially recognized turtle nesting beaches.
The BMC contends that unregulated tourist activities on the main Vagator beach are disrupting the natural nesting environment, leading to a decline in sightings. They are calling for a joint review by the forest department, GCZMA, and the state government to resolve discrepancies and grant the necessary status, warning that further delays could jeopardize the nesting habitat.
