Narasinghpur: 23/05 (Report- Rupashree Swetapadma Mohanty): Today is World Turtle Day. People around the globe celebrate this day to protect turtles and understand their important role in nature. However, a sad situation exists in Odisha. Hundreds of turtles live in the pond of the historic Champanath Temple. This temple stands in Champeswar under the Narsinghpur block of Cuttack district. These turtles, locally known as 'Kurum', represent a living history of more than 300 years. Sadly, they live in very unsafe conditions today. 
A popular local legend connects this place to ancient times. People believe that Banasura, the king of the nearby Baneswar Nashi fort, came to this temple every day to worship. For centuries, the temple pond has been home to more than 200 turtles. Devotees and tourists visit the temple regularly. They offer food to these gentle animals and treat them as living representatives of the gods. Because of this rich history, the State Tourism Department lists this temple as an official tourist destination.
Despite this official status, the authorities provide zero maintenance. The pond suffers from heavy pollution right now. Visitors throw plastic bags and religious items directly into the water. The turtles do not receive regular food. They also lack proper medical care and routine health checks. The temple committee states that the turtles survive only on the food given by kind visitors. Because of this, the animals face poor nutrition and diseases. Their population drops every single year.
The local priests feel very unhappy about this neglect. They mention that officials visit the temple on World Turtle Day just to take photographs. For the remaining 364 days of the year, nobody cares about the animals. The authorities announce big conservation projects on paper. Yet, no real medical help ever reaches the temple pond.
Environmental experts point out the massive value of these animals. These turtles act as the natural cleaners of the pond ecosystem. They eat dead fish and decaying waste. This natural process keeps the pond water clean and fresh. If these turtles disappear off the map, the entire pond will slowly die too. Therefore, these animals hold great environmental importance alongside their religious value.
We must act fast to save this 300-year-old living heritage. Experts recommend immediate scientific conservation plans. Authorities need to start regular health check-ups for the animals. They must also install bio-fencing around the pond to stop water pollution. The big question remains clear: When will the promises made on World Turtle Day finally turn into real actions to save these precious turtles?
A popular local legend connects this place to ancient times. People believe that Banasura, the king of the nearby Baneswar Nashi fort, came to this temple every day to worship. For centuries, the temple pond has been home to more than 200 turtles. Devotees and tourists visit the temple regularly. They offer food to these gentle animals and treat them as living representatives of the gods. Because of this rich history, the State Tourism Department lists this temple as an official tourist destination.
Despite this official status, the authorities provide zero maintenance. The pond suffers from heavy pollution right now. Visitors throw plastic bags and religious items directly into the water. The turtles do not receive regular food. They also lack proper medical care and routine health checks. The temple committee states that the turtles survive only on the food given by kind visitors. Because of this, the animals face poor nutrition and diseases. Their population drops every single year.
The local priests feel very unhappy about this neglect. They mention that officials visit the temple on World Turtle Day just to take photographs. For the remaining 364 days of the year, nobody cares about the animals. The authorities announce big conservation projects on paper. Yet, no real medical help ever reaches the temple pond.
Environmental experts point out the massive value of these animals. These turtles act as the natural cleaners of the pond ecosystem. They eat dead fish and decaying waste. This natural process keeps the pond water clean and fresh. If these turtles disappear off the map, the entire pond will slowly die too. Therefore, these animals hold great environmental importance alongside their religious value.
We must act fast to save this 300-year-old living heritage. Experts recommend immediate scientific conservation plans. Authorities need to start regular health check-ups for the animals. They must also install bio-fencing around the pond to stop water pollution. The big question remains clear: When will the promises made on World Turtle Day finally turn into real actions to save these precious turtles?
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