Agartala, May 23: For the first time, the Tripura government has taken initiative to observe World Turtle Day in the state, highlighting the importance of biodiversity and environmental conservation.

The inaugural ceremony took place today at the Dhanyamanikya Mukta Mancha at the sacred Matabari temple premises in Udaipur. 

Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy inaugurated the event and emphasized that World Turtle Day, observed annually on May 23, is not just a celebration of affection and respect for turtles, but a reminder of the need to protect their habitats.

“Preserving biodiversity is essential for maintaining social and ecological balance,” he said. “It is with this aim that the state government has taken the initiative to celebrate World Turtle Day for the first time.”

Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma also addressed the gathering. He said, “To protect human society, we must protect the ecosystem. This requires the conservation of plants, animals, and wildlife. We must create a favorable environment for turtle reproduction and survival.”

MLA Abhishek Debroy and Chief Conservator of Forests R.K. Samal also spoke at the event, underlining the ecological significance of turtle conservation.

Among other dignitaries present were MLA Jitendra Majumder, Gomati Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Debal Debroy, District Forest Officer H.B. Ganesh, Matabari Panchayat Samiti Chairperson Shilpi Das, Gomati District Magistrate Tarit Kanti Chakma, and Matabari Block BDO Arijit Pal.

Notably, the revered Matabari temple is also known as Kurmapeeth, symbolically linked to turtles as the temple complex is shaped like a turtle. The turtles residing in the nearby Kalyansagar Lake are considered sacred and are worshipped by devotees as representations of Goddess Tripurasundari.

Earlier in a social media post, the DM Gomati mentioned that Matabari Temple has Turtles, not Tortoises. He requested the public not to donate or release any Tortoise. He also requested to release only Bostami Turtles.

In the meantime time, the Turtle Ambassadors were taught the differences between Turtles and Tortoise a day before. 

The DM Gomati Tarit Kanti Chakma, TFS Officer Anurag Chakraborty and BDO Matabari were present at Kalyan Sagar area along with the college students who have pledged in a movement to protect the Bostami Turtles of Matabari Temple adjoining Lake.