CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
In a significant step towards biodiversity conservation, Nagshankar Temple, situated in the Biswanath district of Assam, was officially recognized as a model temple for turtle conservation on May 23, 2025, coinciding with World Turtle Day. This prestigious acknowledgment highlights the temple’s long-standing role in protecting and preserving freshwater turtle species, which hold both ecological and spiritual significance in Assamese culture.
World Turtle Day Celebrations At Nagshankar Temple
The World Turtle Day celebrations at Nagshankar Temple were marked by collaborative efforts from various organizations and institutions. Key participants included:
Kaziranga National Park authorities
Assam State Zoo
Nagshankar Temple Committee
Chaiduar College
Conservation NGOs like Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) Foundation India, Aaranyak, and Help Earth
The event saw enthusiastic participation from conservationists, students, locals, and government representatives. The local MLA, Padma Hazarika, formally recognized the temple's pivotal role in freshwater turtle conservation. As part of the event, a brochure for turtle identification was released, and culturally rich folk songs celebrating turtles were performed to engage the community.
Spiritual And Cultural Role Of Turtles In Assam
In Assam, turtles are not only ecologically vital but also deeply revered as spiritual beings, often associated with Lord Vishnu in Hindu mythology. Many temple ponds across the state have naturally evolved into sanctuaries for turtles over centuries. Among these, Nagshankar Temple stands out as a shining example, blending tradition with modern conservation science. Its pond provides a protected habitat for multiple turtle species, and its management is now strengthened with the guidance of conservation bodies like the TSA Foundation India.
Community Involvement And ‘Kaso Mitras’
The recognition of Nagshankar Temple as a turtle conservation hub is also rooted in strong community participation. A key highlight of the event was the acknowledgment of ‘Kaso Mitras’ (meaning ‘Turtle Friends’ in Assamese), who actively engage in local conservation efforts.
One of the celebrated voices was Anjali Das, the president of a women-led handloom group named ‘Kaso Sakhi’. She emphasized the ecological importance of turtles, noting that these creatures help clean aquatic environments by feeding on dead and decaying organic matter. Her collective also produces handwoven products with turtle motifs to promote conservation awareness through traditional art.
Turtle Species Protected At Nagshankar Temple
The temple pond is home to 13 freshwater turtle species, many of which are threatened or endangered, as classified by the IUCN Red List. These include:
Critically Endangered:
Black Softshell Turtle
Assam Roofed Turtle
Endangered:
Indian Softshell Turtle
Peacock Softshell Turtle
Indian Narrow-Headed Softshell Turtle
Spotted Pond Turtle
Tricarinate Hill Turtle
Vulnerable:
Indian Flapshell Turtle
Indian Roofed Turtle
Near Threatened:
Brown Roofed Turtle (listed twice due to variant subspecies)
Assam Leaf Turtle
Least Concern:
Indian Tent Turtle
Indian Black Turtle
The presence of such a rich diversity underlines the temple’s critical role in freshwater biodiversity conservation and makes it an exemplary model for religiously-linked environmental stewardship.
Conclusion
The recognition of Nagshankar Temple as a model for turtle conservation underscores the potential of community-driven, faith-based environmental efforts in India. By blending tradition, spirituality, and modern ecological science, Assam continues to pave the way for innovative conservation practices, ensuring a safer future for its endangered turtle populations.
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