PNS|Srikakulam
The discovery of 16 dead Indian star tortoises at the ancient Srikurmam temple in Srikakulam district has triggered public outrage and renewed demands for better conservation practices. The ninth-century temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Kurma (tortoise) avatar, is globally unique for sheltering these sacred yet endangered reptiles. On Sunday, devotees and temple staff were shocked to find seven tortoises charred and nine carcasses discarded behind the Executive Officer’s quarters. The incident sparked anger and accusations of negligence against the temple authorities, who manage an enclosure housing nearly 180 tortoises.
District Forest Officer (DFO) S. Venkatesh, who visited the site with Animal Husbandry officials, said the tortoises appeared to have died over a period of time, not recently. “Only the shells were found, making post-mortem examination impossible,” he said, noting the absence of viscera.
The temple has entrusted tortoise conservation to the Srikakulam-based Green Mercy Foundation, an arrangement that has drawn criticism from conservationists. Despite repeated appeals, the temple has resisted handing over the reptiles to the Forest Department, citing their deep religious significance. In 2011, the temple even secured a High Court order to block such a move. DFO Venkatesh said the latest deaths had been reported to the Chief Wildlife Warden, who may recommend transferring the tortoises to the Forest Department or recognised zoological parks for better care.
Animal rights activists have raised concerns over inadequate infrastructure and protection. Pradeep Kumar Nath, founder of the Visakha Society for Protection and Care of Animals, urged the authorities to shift the tortoises to the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in Visakhapatnam or place them under Forest Department custody. The star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) is listed as ‘vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List and receives only limited protection under Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Temple officials, however, claimed that only two tortoises had died recently and insisted that all safety measures were in place. Endowments Assistant Commissioner (in-charge) Bhadraji acknowledged the issue and said an inquiry would be initiated.
Meanwhile, Swami Srinivasananda Saraswati, president of the Andhra Pradesh Sadhu Parishad, demanded a formal government probe, as some devotees believe extreme summer heat may have contributed to the deaths.
