24-05-2025
‘Collective efforts needed for conservation of turtles'
Kanpur: A seminar commemorating World Turtle Day 2025, was held at the Government Inter College, Etawah, on Friday. The event was collaboratively organised by the Social Forestry Division Etawah, District Ganga Protection Committee, and District Environment Committee Etawah.
District inspector of schools (DIOS) Manoj Kumar inaugurated the event. He emphasised that turtles are nature's special contribution to humanity, serving an essential function in maintaining the cleanliness of natural water bodies. He highlighted that these long-living creatures, capable of surviving for centuries, face extinction risks, necessitating collective conservation efforts.
Dr Rajeev Chauhan, general secretary of Society for Conservation of Nature, delivered the keynote address, highlighting that turtle species have inhabited Earth for roughly 200 million years, ranking among the world's most ancient surviving species.
He noted that of India's 29 turtle species, five are marine-dwelling. The Etawah district hosts approximately 10 species, with seven receiving protection under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
Dr Rajesh Kumar, basic education officer, informed that May 23 is annually observed as World Turtle Day globally, aiming to spotlight these creatures and promote their conservation through human intervention.
Principal Dr Deepak Saxena discussed turtles' ecological significance in maintaining river water purity through their consumption of decomposing carcasses and algae, thereby reducing water pollution.
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