The tourism department has sanctioned 25 lakh for improving illumination on Pernem’s coastline, including Morjim beach, but animal lovers are unhappy about it, stating that arrival of turtles for nesting would be further hit by bright lights.
The department will allocate the amount shortly to electricity department to set up new fixtures on Keri, Mandrem, Arambol and Morjim beaches. Villagers had been complaining about the poor illumination on Pernem’s coastline for some time. But animal lovers said bright illumination will affect Morjim’s status as a sanctuary for nesting turtles. “No lighting, but only candle lights or lamps should be allowed in shacks approved by tourism department,” said Carl D’Silva, wildlife artist and ornithologist. In some places in the Carribean, this practice is followed to encourage turtle nesting. Agrees Sujeet Dongre, programme co-ordinator, centre for environment education (CEE). “There should not be any lighting on Morjim beach as it will affect turtle movement.” The tourism department has imposed restrictions on lighting in shacks after sunset in Morjim, but complains are rife about violation of the condition by some shack-owners. “No light connections can be given to shacks at Morjim as it is a turtle nesting area,” Dongre said.
The number of nestings in Morjim is on the decline. “This year, only three nestings have been reported during the season,”a forest department official said. Tourism department sources denied any plans to install high mast lighting on any of the Pernem beaches. “These are difficult to maintain and with regard to Morjim, we will be careful,” the source said. Tourism minister Nilkanth Halarnkar said the fixtures will not be allowed on Morjim beach. “Care will be taken, even if any decision was taken tentatively, to avoid illuminating the turtle nesting habitat,” Halarnkar assured.
Courtesy: TOI
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