21-04-2025
Inquiry sought over star tortoises death in Srikurmam temple
The recent deaths of star tortoises at the Srikurmam temple, in Gara mandal, Srikakulam district, have been attributed to the poor maintenance of the exclusive tortoise enclosure within the temple's premises.
Andhra Pradesh Sadhu Parishad President Swami Srinivasananda Saraswati on Monday urged the government to conduct an inquiry into the incident.
Devotees expressed concern and alleged that the tortoises' deaths occurred due to the extreme heat conditions this summer. The private organisation responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the exclusive tortoise enclosure claimed that only two tortoises died recently.
Endowments Assistant Commissioner (in-charge) Bhadraji said: 'The issue has come to our notice and an inquiry will be conducted into the issue. ' Temple authorities are taking all precautions for the proper maintenance of star tortoises, he added.
Swami Saraswati explaining the significance of the tortoise, in the Hindu religion said: 'For Hindus, the tortoise is 'Kurmavatara' — God incarnated. The government should verify the exact reason for the mass death of tortoises in the temple premises and ensure the remaining can be saved with proper care under expert supervision.'
Srikakulam District Forest Officer S. Venkatesh assured that adequate care would be taken to protect the remaining tortoises. He said: 'The enclosure established a few years ago with 200 star tortoises was being maintained in accordance with the wildlife acts.'
The star tortoise is listed as 'vulnerable' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In India, the species falls under Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, a category that offers minimal protection.
