Notes Class 9 Chapter 2.2 Kumarbharati English Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – Kumarbharati English Class 9

A True Story of Sea Turtles

Introduction

• The story is about sea turtles, their nesting habits, and the threats they face due to human activities.
• The author and his team were surveying white-bellied sea eagles when they unexpectedly discovered turtle eggs on a beach.
• This led to further investigation and the realization that turtle eggs were being stolen.

Discovery of Turtle Eggs

• While walking on the Konkan coastline, volunteers found shallow pits with broken eggshells.
• Upon inquiry, they learned that these were turtle eggs.
• This was unusual because no turtle eggs had been seen in the area before.
• The reason behind this sudden appearance was that the beach had been closed to the public for a month due to a smuggling case.
• Without human interference, turtles were able to nest freely.

Threats to Sea Turtles

• Turtles lay 100-150 eggs in a single nesting, but egg hunters steal them.
• The eggs are either sold or eaten.
• If a turtle is seen while laying eggs, it is allowed to finish but is killed afterward.
• This illegal hunting is done secretly as turtles are protected under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• The law protects turtles just like tigers.

Turtle Conservation Project

• Concerned about the situation, the author and his team started a Turtle Protection Campaign in Velas, Maharashtra.
• With the help of the Forest Department, local people were hired to:
  • Search for turtle nests every morning.
  • Carefully remove eggs and rebury them in a protected nest (surrounded by a wire fence).
  • Guard the nests to prevent theft.
• In the first year, 50 nests were protected successfully.

Hatching of Baby Turtles

• After 45-50 days, the turtle eggs hatched.
• The entire village gathered to witness the baby turtles rushing toward the sea.
• Elderly villagers admitted that though they had stolen eggs in the past, they had never seen the hatchlings before.

Types of Sea Turtles in India

There are seven types of sea turtles in the world, and five are found in India:

1. Olive Ridley (most common in Maharashtra)
2. Green Turtle
3. Hawksbill Turtle
4. (Two others found in Indian waters but not mentioned in the chapter)

Special Feature of Turtles

• Female turtles return to the same beach where they were born after 15 years to lay eggs.
• The mother does not return to take care of the eggs or hatchlings.
• Due to dangers in the sea, only 1 or 2 turtles out of 1000 survive.
• Turtles play an important role in keeping the ocean clean.

Expansion of the Conservation Project

• After success in Velas, the project was expanded to 80 villages.
• Former egg hunters were recruited to protect turtles instead of stealing eggs.
  • This helped because:
    1. They knew where to find nests.
    2. They got a new source of income.

The Turtle Festival (Kasav Mahotsav)

• Started in 2006 to promote eco-tourism.
• Tourists were invited to witness the hatchlings.
• A short film was made on turtles and the beauty of Konkan.
• Strict rules were followed to ensure no harm to turtles.

Homestay Program

• Tourists stayed in villagers’ homes instead of hotels.
• The money earned from tourists helped villagers understand the importance of conservation.
• 10% of the income went to the Turtle Protection Fund.

Success of the Project

• The project became self-sustaining as villagers took full responsibility.
• The Forest Department, Gram Panchayat, and villagers now manage the project.
• Velas became famous for turtle conservation.
• The internet and website helped spread awareness worldwide.

Important Lessons from the Story

1. Humans must protect endangered species to maintain nature’s balance.
2. Community involvement is the key to successful conservation.
3. Tourism can support conservation efforts if done responsibly.
4. Even small efforts can bring big changes in protecting nature.