Staff ReporterPanajiAs a part of protecting eco-sensitive areas in the coastal belt, the Forest Department on Friday evening released turtle hatchlings on the Morjim beach in Pernem taluka.The hatchlings were released by officials of the department in the presence of Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane. Speaking to this daily, Rane said the Forest Department has focused on conservation of turtle breeding eco-sensitive areas in the coastal belt.He said the department is in the process of notifying more areas for conservation of turtles in the state.Rane further informed that the turtle conservation programme is being presently undertaken at four turtle nesting beaches of Morjim and Mandrem in North Goa and Agonda and Galgibagh in South Goa.“Olive Ridley turtles, one of the five marine turtle species, visit these beaches and lay their eggs during the months from November to April. Forest Department protects and conserves these eggs in an artificial turtle hatchery. Eighty nine turtles, the highest number in recent years, have been nested this year via the scientific management,” he said.Stating that around 6,500 hatchlings have been released successfully, Rane said, “We will takefurther required steps to maketurtle conservation programme a successful one. More area is to be notified for turtle conservation. I would like to see Goa on the sea turtle map of the country.”
Panaji: Minister for forests Vishwajit Rane on Friday said that more areas will be notified for turtle conservation in Goa. This will be part of efforts to place Goa on the country’s sea turtle map, Rane said. He said that, this year, the highest number of turtles visited Goa to lay eggs as compared to recent years. “Turtle conservation is being carried out at four turtle nesting beaches in Goa: Morjim and Mandrem in North Goa, Agonda and Galgibaga in South Goa. The forest department will take additional steps to ensure the success of the turtle conservation programme,” Rane said. Olive Ridley turtles are one of five marine turtles that visit these beaches and lay eggs from November to April, he said. “Due to scientific management, 89 turtles nested this year, the most in recent years. Around 6,500 (6,523) young hatchlings have been successfully released.” The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority has already drawn up a plan for the state’s four nesting sites. Based on this plan, ‘no-take zones’ on these beaches were demarcated to help preserve the ecology. Only marine conservation activities are permitted in these zones. Marine interpretation centres are being set up on these beach stretches to raise more awareness about turtle nesting and also to create sustainable livelihood sources for locals. Tourists and visitors are permitted to enter the ‘no-take zones’ but no extraction of natural resources (known as extractive activities) or putting up of shacks is allowed. Similarly riding of bikes on the beach, parties, and bright lights is also prohibited.
Panaji: Goa reported six new Covid cases on Friday with nil hospitalisations and nil deaths. A total of 469 samples were tested with a case positivity rate of 1.28%. Goa’s case positivity rate crossed the one percent mark twice this week, after several weeks. Active cases are at 44, the highest since April 2. Goa’s weekly positivity rate is 0.94% for North Goa and 0.82% for South Goa between April 22 and April 28.
Staff ReporterPanajiThe number of COVID cases doubled in Goa on Wednesday with the detection of 14 fresh cases.On Tuesday, Goa had logged seven fresh cases at a positivity rate of 1.23%.The test positivity rate recorded on Wednesday is 0.97% and the tally of active cases has risen to 39 in the state.Fortunately, no new death linked to the dreaded virus was reported in the last 24 hours.Two patients were declared as recovered in the last 24 hours andthe overall recovery rate in the state continues to be at 98.43%.The confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Goa currently stand at 2,45,409 of which 2,41,538 patients have defeated the deadly disease. Till date, 3,832 patients have died due to COVID-19 in the state.Meanwhile, amid a rise in fresh COVID-19 cases across the country, the public health department on Wednesday issued an advisory asking citizens to continue wearing masks at all public places.In an official communiqué, the department has urged people to continue observing all appropriate COVID behaviour as important preventivemeasures against the virus.It is pertinent to note that on Monday the expert committee of doctors had opined that the emergence of fourth COVID wave cannot be ruled out and hadrecommended wearing of face masks in public places and closed rooms.
Panaji: Goa reported six new cases of Covid infections and nil deaths on Sunday. With this, the total number of positive cases has now gone up to 25. Meanwhile, a total of 711 samples were tested and the case positivity rate currently stands at 0.84%. The state has reported 3,832 Covid deaths, 2.45 lakh cases and over 31,000 hospitalisations since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. Goa’s recovery rate stands at 98.43 percent.
