In a dedicated effort to raise awareness about the plight of turtles and tortoises, Tripura is set to celebrate World Turtle Day on May 23, 2025, with a series of educational and conservation-focused activities.
The State government has approved funding for a year-long research initiative by the 'Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation’, focusing on the Bostami turtles of Kalyan Sagar Lake, situated near sacred Mata Tripura Sundari Temple in Udaipur, Gomati District.
On Thursday, under the watchful presence of DM Gomati Tarit Kanti Chakma, TFS Officer Anurag Chakraborty, and BDO Matabari, college students gathered at Kalyan Sagar, reinforcing their pledge to safeguard the endangered Bostami Turtles dwelling near the sacred Matabari Temple.
As part of their mission to protect these rare creatures, ‘Turtle Ambassadors’ were enlightened on the fundamental differences between turtles and tortoises, ensuring a deeper understanding that strengthens conservation efforts.
Understanding the Distinction: Turtles vs Tortoises
The Forest Department authorities noted that Matabari Temple is home to turtles, not tortoises. They also urged the common people not to donate or release tortoises in the area.
They further noted, additionally, only Bostami Turtles should inhabit Kalyan Sagar Lake, so introducing other turtle species into the lake is discouraged to protect the natural ecosystem.
The officials also found an ‘Elongated Tortoise’ or ‘Indotestudo Elongata Tortoise’, probably released by public near the Kalyan Sagar area.
The Gomati District Administration informed that the tortoise will be released in Sepahijala Zoo as their habitat is not water but land.
Preparations for Turtle Day Celebration:
On Wednesday afternoon, a joint visit led by Gomati District Magistrate Tarit Kanti Chakma took place to assess the ongoing preparations. The event will be inaugurated by Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy at the Udaipur Tripura Sundari Temple premises, marking the official commencement of the celebration.
An official from the Gomati District Administration confirmed Tripura Times that the event will be primarily managed by the Forest Department, ensuring scientific accuracy and conservation efforts remain central to the activities.
25th Anniversary of World Turtle Day – 'Dancing Turtles Rock!'
This year’s World Turtle Day carries a vibrant theme— ‘Dancing Turtles Rock!’, aimed at highlighting the vital role turtles and tortoises play in maintaining ecological balance. The event will encourage people to take action by participating in educational initiatives, conservation programs, and community-driven projects.
Conservation Survey of Kalyan Sagar’s Exotic Turtles:
A significant highlight of the observance will be a survey conducted by the Forest Department at Kalyan Sagar Lake in Udaipur Matabari, along with few other nearby water bodies, to study and document the exotic freshwater Bostami turtles (black softshell turtles) found in the lake.
These endangered species, known scientifically as 'Nilssonia nigricans', were previously declared extinct by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2002. However, they were later found in temple ponds, including the Hayagriva Madhava Temple in Assam and Kalyan Sagar Lake at the Tripura Sundari Temple in Udaipur, Tripura.
Covering an area of 1.11 hectares, this region has served as a thriving natural habitat for turtles for more than six centuries.
Because of conservation efforts, today, some of these turtles can still be found in the wild, with scientists and environmental biologists working tirelessly to protect their fragile habitats.
Their mitogenome analysis has revealed genetic ties to 19 other Testudines species, further underscoring their biological significance.
Tripura Sundari Temple – A Sacred Connection to Turtles
Interestingly, the Tripura Sundari Temple itself holds a deep connection to turtle symbolism, as its elevated patch of land resembles the shape of a turtle, earning it the name “Kurma Peetha".
Past Conservation Efforts & Need for Continued Protection:
In 1998, the state government cemented Kalyan Sagar Lake, inadvertently disrupting the turtles’ natural habitat. Within a year, several turtle deaths were reported, as the essential sand bed—where turtles bask and breed—was destroyed.
Following a directive from the High Court of Tripura on June 25, 2015, the government removed the embankments and established two hatcheries, allowing turtle populations to gradually recover.
Hope for the Future: Protecting Tripura’s Turtle Heritage:
Forest Department sources report a significant increase in turtle numbers in recent years, and they hope the upcoming survey will further contribute to effective conservation strategies.
With World Turtle Day 2025 serving as a global platform for raising awareness, Tripura’s celebration is expected to strengthen its commitment to protecting its treasured turtle species, ensuring they thrive for generations to come.