Agartala: The Tripura government, in collaboration with the Turtle Survival Alliance, on Friday launched a year-long scientific study on sacred turtle species found in Kalyan Sagar, the lake situated in the premises of the Tripura Sundari shrine.
Launched on the occasion of World Turtle Day, the study aims to assess the turtle population, identify species, and formulate sustainable conservation strategies.
Notably, the majority of the turtles found in the Kalyan Sagar lake are identified as Black Softshell Turtles, popularly called Bostami Turtles.
A sum of Rs 14,90,000 has been sanctioned by the state government for the study.
An event was organised for the first time in the temple premises on the occasion of World Turtle Day in the presence of Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy, Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma, PCCF Tripura and officials from both the Forest and Civil administration.
People regard these turtles as sacred and trace their historical significance to the Sufi shrine of Hajrat Bayazid Bostami in Chittagong, Bangladesh.
Experts believe that devotees originally brought these turtles from Iran and released them at sacred sites, which is why the Tripura Sundari temple and the Chittagong shrine remain the only known habitats for this rare species.
Speaking on the occasion, Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy said that following the completion of the study, the forest department officials must review the data regularly and intervene when necessary.
Roy stressed the cultural and ecological significance of the turtles, stating, “Visitors consider their trip incomplete without seeing these turtles. We must ensure their safety and create a conducive breeding environment.”
“For one year, the responsibility of the study is being handed over to Turtle Survival Alliance. But once the study is completed, the forest department officials should take up the responsibility to review the data in regular intervals with special interventions,” said Singha Roy.
Key components of the study include age analysis, species diversity, and morbidity assessments.
“It is said that the oldest surviving turtle in the lake is 150 years old. Once the study is conducted, we will know the exact truth,” the Minister added.
ALSO READ: Home Ministry sanctions another India Reserve battalion for Tripura State Rifles
Forest Minister Debbarma highlighted the role of biodiversity in sustaining ecological balance, while Gomati District Magistrate Tarit Kanti Chakma urged the public to avoid polluting the lake with waste or soap, and to refrain from releasing non-native species like tortoises.
The Tripura Sundari temple, also known as “Kurma Peeth”, situated on a hill resembling a turtle shell, holds significance as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas worldwide.
