UDAIPUR, July 4 (TIWN): Major steps are likely to be taken to save the N-Nigricans turtles soon after the completion of the three-tier Panchayat election, confirmed a high level TIWN source on Thursday night. It is learnt that the foreign experts [namely Peter Praschag, Director, Turtle Research and Conservation, Austria, Mercy Vaughan(turtle expert), Thad Stewart(Construction Engineer cum Environmentalist) Shannon DiRuzzo(turtle expert) - all from USA along with India Environmentalist Rupali Ghosh ,who came to Matabari on 11th of June to have a practical view of the ongoing situation of the rare species N-Nigricans turtles found in Kalyan Sagar, submitted their observatory reports to the Forest Department, Govt of Tripura.

According to a highly placed sources in the Forest Department the observatory reports of foreign experts include:-

   1) Destruction of nearby cemented embarkments to a farthest extent

   2) Shifting of Highmass lighting posts installed nearby Hatcheries

   3) Supply of adequate food including meat

   4) Clearing of all trashes found in Kalyan Sagar

   5) Providing a similar habitat required for the survival of N-Nigricans turtles

   6) Remove the plastics found in the Kalyan Sagar

   7) The meat supplied by officials are quite inadequate; those who come to Matabari with a purpose of sacrificing goats should be encouraged to deposit a part of their share for the survival of turtles after the sacrifice

   8) Round the clock security guards must be deployed to protect the turtles from other animals 

  9) Placing of the specific breed of fishes posing a threat to the newly born turtles to nearby ponds.

  10) Close monitoring of the turtles' activities under experts.

     It is learnt that Peter Praschag, Director of Turtles Research & Conservation Centre, Austria is an expert of N-Nigricans turtles (having done his PHD in N-Nigricans) and his views are crucial in this case. Actually during his visit to Mata bari on 12th June he spoke exclusively to TIWN Correspondent saying, "I am surprised to see cemented embarkments around this pond. However I am happy that DFO Arun Kumar took a special care of this rare species of turtles. However, we must take a vow that we will give these turtles the environment they need. "Another member of the team Mercy Vaughan, was attacked with Dengue during her visit to Bhutan and immediately she was compelled to leave for USA for treatment. And her views can't be available.

   However, another member of the experts Environmentalist Rupali Ghosh told TIWN over phone from outside the state," You must know that turtles are coming to eat meat offered in the beach. We have captured the images of turtles while eating meat." But she didn't like to comment on the report saying that it is 'confidential and can only be brought to light by Govt officials. '

     Speaking to TIWN DFO, Gomati Arun Kumar (IFS) told TIWN over phone, "Yes the foreign experts submitted their reports and accordingly I have sent these reports to the higher officials of Forest Department. The next course of action will be taken by Gomati District Administration. I am in touch with the DM Gomati." Speaking exclusively to TIWN DM Gomati Sonal Goel said," I have a scheduled visit to the hatcheries on Saturday. And there will not be any shortage of funds for the development of hatcheries.

And after the visit I will take a clear decision on it." DM Sonal Goel assured that the Gomati District administration will take every necessary step to save N-Nigricans. However, as the Panchayat election is on administration is busy with the election procedures, the decisions on the turtles will be taken after the election. Even DFO Arun Kumar said that the proposed funds for the development of hatcheries are expected to be released by the end of July. And once the funds are released the Forest Department will immediate steps, adds DFO.