Citizens and green activists have come together to save the nesting site of Olive Ridley turtles on Dahanu’s Casuarina Tree Beach as the municipal council plans to construct a public park on the beach. The residents have also launched an online petition demanding the Dahanu Municipal Council to stop the construction of the park.
Dahanu’s Casuarina Tree Beach, which got its name from the 100-year-old towering Casuarina trees meeting pristine sand dunes, has become a matter of concern for the residents as well as green activists. The municipal council of Dahanu started the construction of a public park at the beach in December, which according to the residents is a threat to the eco-sensitive habitat.
The residents have alleged that the construction of a park using concrete and bricks on the beach will have an impact on the Olive Ridley Turtles, as the sand dunes at this beach serve as a crucial nesting ground for the endangered species. They have also alleged that the unavailability of suitable nesting areas due to alterations to the slope and structure of the dunes may threaten the survival of this rare species.
Citizens Unite to Save Olive Ridley Turtle Nesting Site in Dahanu | FPJ Photo
Citizens Unite to Save Olive Ridley Turtle Nesting Site in Dahanu | FPJ Photo
Citizens Unite to Save Olive Ridley Turtle Nesting Site in Dahanu | FPJ Photo
Citizens Unite to Save Olive Ridley Turtle Nesting Site in Dahanu | FPJ Photo
Citizens Unite to Save Olive Ridley Turtle Nesting Site in Dahanu | FPJ Photo
The residents have alleged that the municipal council started the construction even after they had requested the chief officer to not go ahead with the project. The residents and environmental organisations also staged a protest on the beach twice to oppose the construction, after which the work was halted.
For Oceans, an environmental organisation based in Dahanu, has also started an online petition urging the municipal council to stop the destruction of the beach. The petition alleged that the excavation work near the Casuarina trees has severely damaged their roots and are now at risk of falling during storms or strong winds. They added that losing these trees would be an irreversible ecological and aesthetic loss.
The petition demanded the municipal council to immediately halt construction activities until a detailed environmental impact assessment (EIA) is conducted and restore the damaged flora and fauna by replanting Beach Morning Glory, and protecting Olive Ridley turtle nesting sites. It also demanded for public hearings by involving local environmentalists and citizens.
Ajay Ravidas, a member of For Oceans, said, “We have been opposing the construction activity on the beach for over four months. Multiple other organisations and citizens are a part of this movement and have been holding regular protest demonstrations against the construction. We want to ensure that such projects do not alter with the site’s ecology.”
