Buguda: Illegal fishing, withdrawal of security and prolonged neglect have pushed hundreds of rare turtoises to the brink of extinction at Neela Pokhari in Golia village of Ganjam district, popularly known as Odisha’s second Indradyumna Sarovar. Despite a ban on fishing, nets are routinely cast in the historic pond, resulting in injuries and deaths of the protected turtoises. Neela Pokhari, located near a Shiva temple in Golia village under the Buguda block, is believed to be the only water body after Puri’s Indradyumna Sarovar where these large and rare turtoises — locally known as kurma — survive.
Significantly bigger than common turtoises, the species is not found in any other pond in the region, giving Neela Pokhari its distinct status. The pond’s history dates back nearly five centuries. According to local legend, between 1825 and 1845, a youth from Golia village, D. Enkat Murty Dora, visited Puri during the annual Rath Yatra. When an elephant reportedly ran amok during the festival, Dora brought it under control, impressing the Gajapati king of Puri.
As a reward, he sought two turtoises from the Indradyumna tank. The king granted the request, and the turtoises were later released into Neela Pokhari. Over time, their numbers grew, and Dora came to be known locally as Hatiram Dora. At present, the pond is home to hundreds of turtoises and draws visitors from distant areas. About a decade ago, the Forest department took over management of the pond and, in collaboration with villagers, formed a committee to protect the turtoises and beautify the site. The area was cleaned, fencing installed, lights set up along the embankment, and two security guards deployed. However, those measures have gradually collapsed.
Also Read: USFDA delegation visits Ganjam
Over the past two years, the guards have been withdrawn, and the lighting system has stopped functioning. In the absence of maintenance, bushes and creepers have overgrown the surroundings. Although fishing is strictly prohibited, the lack of surveillance has emboldened people to cast nets into the water. When contacted, Buguda Range Officer Manas Kumar Sahu said the matter would be discussed with senior officials, and necessary steps would be taken.
