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CHAPTER-5

DISCUSSION

The present work relates with search of tortoises in village ponds in northern Haryana during

2005-2012. In all 775 village ponds were visited (Fig.3.2-3.11). As shown in Table 4.1, the Nine

species of tortoises recovered from ponds were actually taken in possession with the help of

young boys belonging to weaker section of society. The names of the Nine species of tortoises

obtained thus are (i) Narrow Headed Soft Shell Turtles (Chitra indica), Indian eyed Turtle

(Morenia pelersia), Indian Peacock soft Shell Turtle (Asperitetes liithi), Indian Black Turtle

(Melanochelys trijuga), Indian Mud or Flap Shell Turtle Lissemys punctata, Spotted Black

Terrapin Geoclemys hamiltonii Indian Tent Terrapin Pangshura tentoria, Keeled Box Turtle

Pyxidea mouhotii and Asian Brown Turtle (Manouria eviys) .Indian Flapshell turtle was

recovered from most of the villages in all the districts in Haryana.

From the above, it is clear that only 9 species of tortoises could be recovered, that too with great

difficulty and essentiality with the help of unemployed young boys from weaker section of our

BALMIKI SMAJ.

It is pertinent to mention that in natural circumstances, no tortoises are available in northern

Haryana as per the present studies carried out between 2005-2012. Only these young boys of

Balmiki Smaj had the knowledge about the availability of one or two species of ponds nearby

their respective villages. These boys were first cultivated with great difficulty so as to engage

them in verbal discussion. These young unemployed and totally illiterate boys of Balmiki Smaj

were subsequently allured by way of offering them money in cash only up to Rs. 250/- to Rs.

500/-. As such present studies points towards the fact that the last few tortoises left out in only

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few ponds in Haryana fetch as low as Rs. 250/- to Rs. 500/-. If that is the situation, this last

remnant of tortoises will be no more available in the next 2-3 years only. As such Govt. should

take steps to protect and conserve these tortoises by educating the youth of Balmiki smaj so as to

collect tortoises from village ponds for their subsequent conservation in Govt. maintained

Tortoise Park in some suitable Sanctuary having a healthy natural water sheet. This way it would

be directly addressing the problem of conserving the last remains of tortoises rather than

allowing the grim situation to slip further deep resulting in total extinction of tortoises in

Haryana. These 8 species of tortoises in Haryana are better explained in plates 1-40.

WIDE SPREAD DESTRUCTION OF TORTOISES

It is evident from tables 3.1-3.11, that approximately 775 villages in 11 districts were surveyed.

Except on 4 occasions as explained in previous account, no tortoises were found in these

villages. As such, present studies reveal that in normal circumstances tortoises are already

extinct in traditional village ponds in northern Haryana.

STRAY TORTOISES IN FISH FARMING PONDS

In all 100 fish farming ponds were surveyed in Haryana between 2005-2012. A pictorial

depiction of this angle of searching tortoises in Haryana is available in plate-.

Actually, the Fish Faring farmers were contacted in person with the request to cast fish NETs to

find out if tortoises are present in Fish Farming ponds in Haryana. It is evident that only 31

ponds were found with 1-2 tortoises and rest i.e. 69 Fish-Farming Ponds were without tortoises.

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At the same time, it was found that only one species i.e. Flap shell Turtle is available in Fish

Farming Ponds and no other species is found over there. This species is better depicted in Plates

.It belong to Order and family

Despite the occasional presence of Flap-shell turtles, that too in only few ponds, no nests and

eggs therein could be searched in September and March during the study period. It proves that

breeding is totally absent in even tortoises that could be retrieved from Fish Faring Ponds.

As such, tortoises in Haryana are under great stress of scarcity of natural populations. Also, the

flap shell Tortoises were not responding to seasonal changes to lay eggs.

TORTOISES VIS-À-VIS HUMAN CHRONIC DISEASES

On in-depth interrogation of Balmiki youths, two facts came to the lights which have certainly

dealt a severe blow to the last live tortoises in village ponds in northern Haryana.

Firstly, these youth revealed that poaching of tortoises is sometimes done so as to provide LIVE-

TORTOISES to patients suffering from chronic incurable diseases like Asthma, Tuberculosis.

Herein it is also relevant to point out that RMP (Registered Medical practiceners) were, in

camera, advising patients to try tortoises as means to get rid off the age-old incurable diseases.

Secondly, the Balmiki Smaj youths were kind enough to reveal that such tortoises which could

not be sold were finally roasted live over fire and consumed as food. As such, the present studies

revealed that tortoises are being traded at a very low level in Haryana and this practice will add

more stress to the few left out tortoises to survive even for few more years.

KARAN LAKE IN KARNAL AND A CASE OF LIVE TORTOISES POPULATION OF

SPECIES INDIAN TENT TURTLE

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Karna Lake is located about 5 km north of Karnal on the Delhi-Amritsar highway. Karna Lake is

beautifull landscaped with tourist facilities designed along the water front. The resort is popular

among highway travellers and the people of Karnal, who love to stop for picnics in the lawns by

the lake. There are a few places of interest here, like the Kala Amb memorial, an obelisk

commemorating the third battle of Panipat. Kalandar Shah’s tomb, the Kos Minar (a watch

tower), a small fort in Katju Nagar called Trori sarai, Babur’s masjid and the tombs of Mukrab

Ali Khan, Mubarak Khan and Altaf Hussain Ali. Two ancient inscribed red pillars have been

discoverd in Amin, and Bahlolpur is connected with the famous duel between Bhima and

Duryodhana (of the Mahabharata). Duryodhana had hidden himself in a water tank, but came out

after being jeered by Bhima, only to die at his hands. Now Karnal is the centre of Haryana’s

national Dairy Research Institute and claims to have ushered in the `white revolution’ by

producing great quantities of milk.

Based upon verbal information, Karan Lake in Karnal was visited on 3-4 occasions. In the first

visit, no tortoises could be spotted. However, in the next two visits which were done in the early

morning and late evening, Indian Tent Turtles were seen swimming the lake. Indian Tent Turtle

was first seen perched on a floating log of tree. However, despite all concerted efforts, no

breeding could be observed during the study period ( 2005-2012).A case is here where, atleast

Indian tent turtle, could be better and effectively conserved at Karan Lake in Haryana. It is the

only place in National Highway where a natural Population of Indian Tent turtle was sighted.

However, no breeding activity could be observed.

YAMUNA RIVER

The Yamuna is the largest tributary river of the Ganges (Ganga) in northern India. Originating

from the Yamunotri Glacier at a height 6,387 meters, on the south western slopes of

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Banderpooch peaks, in the Lower Himalayas in Uttarakhand, it travels a total length of 1,376

kilometers (855 mi) and has a drainage system of 366,223 km2, 40.2% of the entire Ganges

Basin, before merging with the Ganges at Triveni Sangam, Allahabad, the site for the Kumbha

Mela every twelve years. Yamuna River was surveyed between Hathini Kund Barrage and Hodal

in Palwal District. Places like Thinikund Barrage, Gumthala, Chauganwa, Garhi Birbal, Garhpur

Tapu, Karnal river bridge, Panipat Yamuna bridge, Sonepat Yamuna bridge, Faridabad, Tigaon,

Makanpur, chainsa, Mohna, Chant, Hodal Yamuna bridge were surveyed for the possible

presence of Indian river turtle. However, no turtles were ever seen. As such, the present studies

reveal the sad total elimination of tortoises from Yamuna Stream.

CASE OF TOTAL ELIMINATION OF TORTOISES FROM KALAYAT HISTORICAL

SAROVAR

Kalayat is an ancient place having relationship with Kapil Muni. Kalayat is a city and a

municipal committee in Kaithal district in the Indian state of Haryana. It is historical town

known as Kapilayat in past, named after the mythological sage Kapil Muni. This sarovar was

surveyed during the study period on several occasions. Last, it was visited in January, 2012. It

was thoroughly surveyed and searched. There were no tortoises seen in this ancient Sarovar.

However, according to interaction with locales, tortoises were seen in Kalayat sarovar in 1950s

and 1960s.

JYOTISAR SAROVAR

Jyotisar sarovar is actually the place where Lord Krishna is believed to have delivered the

sermons to Arjuna in the shape of Geeta. Jyotisar sarovar is located on Kurukshetra –Pehowa-

Patiala road at a distance of 3 Kms from Kurukshetra University. The samovar is now restricted

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a very small area. It was in this small pond that hundreds of pond tortoises were living and

breeding in a most natural in the very presence of devotees and villagers without any interruption

in breeding cycle. A larger part of this sarovar is now completely cut off from the holy Jyotisar

Sarovar. There is no vegetation in the holy tank due to the regular so called cleaning process

carried out by Kurukshetra Developmemt Board. It is also clear that one of its extreme ends is

stuffed with hyacinth and is in its way to eutrophication.

In context of the present issue of pond turtles, as per the observations between 1982-1984, 1984,

1985, there were hundreds of these reptiles. These tortoises were often seen perched on stairs as

well in the shallow and deep waters. Human presence from close quarters was of no animals.

Hundred of visitors who thronged the sarovar for Geeta-Place Darshan used to offer varied food

items to these pond turtles.

On its west side was an open place having contiguity with water sheet and this feature facilitated

the successful nesting exercise. The villagers in their conscious and sub-conscious mind never

disturbed the nests stuffed with eggs. The continuity of this natural population of pond turtles

was in place through centuries.

However, 1n 1986 Kurukshetra Development board inaugurated the totally altered transformed

Jyotisar Tirath Pond. The renovation process included thorough over hauling of the premises

with sustained dredging of the sarovar. In this process, the turtles were brutalized. The contiguity

of pond with the egg laying site was broken. The eggs having site has been developed in the

form of park. In this a lively, robust successfully surviving pond tortoises population was

abruptly terminated without taking appropriate steps to save that population.

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The present case concerns a very timely population of turtles that was in full bloom until 1986. it

was an ancient holy tank alongside the holy banyan tree where purportedly Lord Krishna

delivered the divine massage of Geeta. However, under the inspired leadership of Late Guljarilal

Nanda, former, Prime Minister of India, Kurukshetra development board renovated the Jyotisar

sarovar by totally draining off the water along with its entire biota including the thousands of

years old live, robust and successfully breeding natural populations of pond turtles. This was

quite inadvertently out of sheer ignorance in a bid to do well, which contrary to nice intentions,

resulted in total wiping out of the populations.

It must be mentioned that the destruction of the tortoises was done inadvertently. However, such

inadvertent actions in Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Utter Pradesh, and Bihar have resulted in

99% decimation of varied tortoise’s populations in traditional ponds. As such, in the present

studies, an inadvertently annihilation of extremely endangered species is demonstrated where the

official machinery and officers are the media in the destructive process of pond turtles. It is

argued that Govt. officers be apprised by the delicate issues related with biodiversity

conservation verses development/ renovation projects.

It is also argued in this paper that considering the whooping crash that the numbers and diversity

of tortoises have experienced in the last 20-3—50 years’ segments in particular in the traditional

rural ponds in Haryana. The 15 surviving tortoises in various unknown ponds be saved through a

tortoises project on war fooling lest tortoises in Haryana become Cheetah of India. Tortoises of

Jyotisar Sarovar can be rehabilitated by introducing few pairs afresh in the rear pond with proper

breeding grounds.

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CASE OF ARUNAI SAROVAR IN KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT

The Arunai tirath is located six kilometres away on the Ambala Road at Pehowa or 31 kilometres

from Krukshetra town. This is one of the important pilgrimages associated with the saints

Vashishta and Vishwamittra. The place is also significant for being the meeting points of the

rivers Saraswati and Aruna. Mahabharata and Vamana Puran vividly describe about the

significance of this tirath. However, presently the tirath is not known for the story narrated in the

epic and the purana rather famous for being a Shivaite centre called Sangameshwar Mahadev

temple. Here lies a temple dedicated to Shiva or Sangmaeshwar Mahadev adjoining to a small

tank. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees thronged to the temple regularly.

Various sarovars were surveyed from time to time. Locales were also interviewed from

artificially managed sarovar. According to the locales, tortoises were in abundance in arunai-

sarovars upto 1950s and 1960s. As such, it is another instance of a vibrant tortoise population’s

total demise in the last 50-60 years only. Tortoises in India were abundant upto 1960s. Tortoises

are in great peril today. The present studies have focused attention to understand the latest

situation vis-à-vis TORTOISES’ in Haryana. The studies reveal that TORTOISES are today out

from their once traditional habitats in rural ponds and Yamuna River. The tortoises could be

procured by requesting school students, their parents for merely photography at a price of

Rs.250/- to Rs.500 per specimen. Also, fish farming operations could provide TORTOISES for

photography on friendly basis only. Today, most ponds have been converted to fish ponds and

hence no tortoises.

In the present studies, a total of nine species of turtles have been observed in various rural ponds

of selected districts in Haryana. All these turtles could be photographed after paying money to

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10+2 students in village schools. The authors were required to return the turtles soon after the

photographs.

The Narrow Headed Soft Shell turtles (Chitra indica) were virtually shown by all the students.

However, the other turtles mentioned over here (Indian eyed Turtle (Morenia pelersia), Indian

Peacock soft Shell Turtle (Asperitetes liithi), Indian Black Turtle (Melanochelys trijuga) and

Asian Brown Turtle (Manouria eviys) were seen only once or twice. Despite seven years of

persistent efforts, authors could not spot even one vibrant normal population of turtles anywhere

in Haryana.

Surveys of the people revealed, there were turtles available 25-30-40 years back in all the village

ponds. Survey of the people also confirmed that stray turtles are available even today but to be

sold for various prices. Surveys of the fish farmers also confirm to the stray presence of turtles in

village ponds which have been now converted into “FISH-FARMNG” ponds. All rural ponds in

Haryana today are “FISH-FARMING” ponds. In the first place, Fish farming in rural ponds has

destroyed millennia-old Tortoise’s populations in fish ponds. In the second place, the “egg-

laying grounds” nearby the fish ponds is 100% encroached. Thirdly, as per our own survey the

left over one-or-two tortoises in few ponds are “HUNTED” as and when periodic harvesting of

“fish produce” is done with the help of “NETS”.

Virtually all the ponds in Haryana, 40-50 years ago had good populations of Tortoises. Today

their decimation has attained a level of 99% in rural ponds, rivers, streams, lakes and dams

linked with total habitat transformation telling upon sustenance of adult’s tortoises and severe

interference in “REPRODUCTION EFFORTS” of surviving populations. If immediate and last

minute rehabilitation measures not taken then these “LIVING-RELICS” will become a thing of

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the past. The present studies do confirm that turtles in Haryana are today “LIVE-RELICS” on

their way to total extinction in the next 4-5 years. No live populations are available in Haryana,

whosesoever and anywhere.

It is suggested that a high level “TURTLE REHABITATION PROGRAMME” be launched on

very serious line of extinction so that these “LIVE RELICS” get a chance to proliferate, once

again. Tortoises are today on their extinction in next 4-5 years only. The Govt. of Haryana

should necessarily constitute Tortoises conservation authority. The TORTOISE

CONSERVATION AUTHORITY constituted thus, so first conduct a detail survey followed by

in-situ conservation in few selected ponds. It will be rather encouraging if a TORTOISES

SANCTUARY is designed in a traditional village pond, where, to the great fortune of

tortoises, a vibrant population discovered by chance. Today tortoises in Haryana are live-

relics on their total extinction sooner than later.

The present findings are revelations connected with ignorance and greed for money in context of

poaching of tortoises in Haryana by totally illiterate people belonging to lower and economically

deprived section of society. These people live in a very poor state of affairs both economically as

well as from the hygiene point of view. Most of them are Schedule Caste and with no means,

whatsoever of livelihood. They are traditionally and from generations-“BROKE”. They have a

Penchant to discover and catch for surety, the one percent left over tortoises in ponds between far

off locations. These people in the first place eat away the turtles by roasting then live in

households “CHULAHS” and relish the same as a wonderful dish. These people sell LIVE-

TORTOISES; one or two that they may succeed in catching, to such patients who are suffering

from chronic diseases. Even the “JOHOLA-CHAAP: Doctors advise these chronic patients to eat

roasted turtles to cure the incurable prolonged diseases. One or two Tortoises are also available

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for taking Photographs at the price of Rs.500 or so for one specimen of tortoise. In this way,

tortoises like Indian Peacock Soft Shell Turtle (Aspideretes hurum), Indian Black Turtle

(Melanochelys trijuga), Asian Brown Turtle (Manouria eviys), Indian eyed Turtle (Mosenia

petersia) and Narrow-headed soft-shelled Turtle (Chitra indica) were collected from

Kurukshetra, Kaithal , Karnal, Jind and Hisar Districts by concentrating attention on 10+2

Science students in Village schools. The other contacts involving SARPANCH, PANCH, and

VILLAGE ELDERS yielded no results. Haryana Govt. must conceive a precise

“CONSERVATION AND REHABILITATION PROJECT” for saving the miniscule number of

tortoises left over in few ponds also. It will be a practical step to institute a TORTOISE-PARK

by establishing a “TORTOISE TASK FORCE”. It will be beneficial to draw lessons from

Mamallapuran Crocodile Park near Chennai In the first place, the pin-pointed section of society

herein must be inspired to stop poaching upon tortoises for roasting and eating or alternately

selling to chronic patients. Tortoises in Haryana and perhaps every else in India are in a bad

shape. These illustrations are proof of the various channels in rural society which siphon off

tortoises to the live “CHULAHS” for roasting to enjoy the dish later on.

KARNA LAKE in Karnal has small sized tortoises which can be seen early in the mornings only

when they are perched on floating logs of Wood. Turtles can be found, on request, only one or

two in villages like Umri, Sirsama, Ban, Jirbari, Mathana, Sonti, Bir-Sonti, Raipur, Samana,

Samani, Gudha, in Kurukshetra. The village like and in Hasangarh, Sahadwa, Buran, Ladwa,

Bahamnha, Mijapur, Sarsod, Talak in Hisar, and villages like Manoharpur, Shahpur, Igrah,

Nirjan, Bibipur, Kalwa, Kithana, Nagura and Nidhana in Jind.

These pictures also provide evidences of the presence of tortoises in Haryana rural ponds. The

present studies also reveal that there are one or two tortoises in few ponds only. Most ponds are

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devoid of tortoises. All tortoises, once in the hands of these poor ruralists, never get a chance to

enter the ponds again. These tortoises are sacrificed without exception. These tortoises are, in the

first place, eaten as roasted. Once in a while, are sold to the chronic patients of tuberculosis who

use them as medicine under the veil of ignorance and misconception but through the advice of

quacks. Preliminary surveys revealed that alarming decimation in Tortoises populations directly

linked with habitat transformation in the shape of frequent multipurpose usage of village ponds,

encroachment of eggs laying “fringe land” in the vicinity of ponds, conversion of village

community ponds into Fish Farming Ponds and funny belief of curing diseases like Tuberculosis,

likelihood of infusing longevity to human life, as aphrodisiac to terminate impotency and many

other awesome tell-tale stories in vogue in rural society due to ignorance, illiteracy, helplessness

and “QUACKS” operating as “DOCTORS” in the Indian hinterland.

The WILDLIFE (PROTECTION) ACT, 1972 seems helpless, although it does cover the interests

on conserving and protecting the tortoises.

The present studies reveal that rural ruralites can be inspired to stay away from the practice of

unlawfully exploiting the last living relics of tortoises in Haryana. Awareness programmed to be

initiated sooner than later. A “TORTOISE PARK” be instituted in Haryana. Tortoise task force

should, preferably be constituted urgently.

The present work on tortoises of Haryana between 2005-2012 clearly indicates that tortoises

stand totally eliminated in Haryana.

Remaining last few tortoises, which could be counted on fingers are facing further extreme

threats from un-employed stray youth of lower section of society who either sell them or eat

away by roasting live in fire.

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RMP doctors are also reported to prescribe the usage of tortoises to chronic patients to treat

dreaded diseases like Asthma and tuberculosis but always in Camera. It is suggested that Govt.

of Haryana is prompted to take few steps to salvage the already dipped condition of tortoises.

First good measures will be to create a tortoise park in the wild followed by capturing the few

tortoises in village ponds and subsequently releasing these in the proposed Tortoise park.

Rehabilitation of the proposed tortoise park may help in inducing the tortoise to undertake

breeding exercise in a stress free environment.