Panaji, May 23: The Goa Forest Department has strongly objected to the Lantern Festival, also known as Glow Fest, set to take place near the turtle nesting site at Morjim beach on May 25.
The festival, which includes a lantern lighting ceremony, live music, dance performances, and other activities, is scheduled to be held at Morjim beach, a designated turtle nesting area.
Deputy Conservator of Forests Prem Kumar has written to the Secretary of the State Environment Department, highlighting the presence of a turtle hatchery at Morjim beach. “The entire stretch of Morjim beach is a nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles,” the letter states.
Kumar emphasized that hosting the festival would violate the rules and regulations of the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority.
“In this regard, letters have already been issued from the office of the Range Forest Officer, Marine Range, Wildlife and Eco-tourism (North), Goa to the Member Secretary, Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority, and to the Police Inspector, Morjim,” he noted.
The Forest Department has called for necessary intervention under applicable rules and regulations to preserve the sanctity of the turtle hatchery and nesting sites at Morjim beach. (PTI)
