A pond in Kajalheri village of Haryana’s Fatehabad district, once regarded as a safe habitat for rare turtles, is reportedly facing severe ecological distress due to water pollution. The Shri Guru Gorakhnath Community Reserve, notified by the Haryana government in 2019, has become a concern for wildlife conservationists as turtles are reportedly fleeing the contaminated waters.

The reserve is estimated to be home to around 150–200 turtles belonging to the Indian Softshell, Red-roofed and Indian Peacock species. The pond had traditionally served as a breeding and nesting ground for the reptiles. However, untreated sewage and alleged neglect by authorities have reportedly deteriorated the water quality, turning the habitat into an increasingly hazardous environment for the protected species.

The turtles found in the reserve are of significant conservation importance. The species enjoy the highest level of statutory protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, placing them in the same category of legal protection as species such as the tiger and rhinoceros. They are also listed as threatened species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

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The reported deterioration of the pond has raised concerns about the impact of untreated sewage on the reserve’s ecosystem. Contaminated water can affect aquatic wildlife by reducing habitat quality and threatening breeding and feeding grounds. For turtles that depend on the pond for survival and reproduction, prolonged pollution could have serious consequences for the population.

The situation also highlights concerns about the management of community reserves and the need for regular monitoring of sensitive wildlife habitats. Although the reserve was notified specifically to protect the area’s ecological and wildlife value, the reported condition of the pond has raised questions about whether adequate measures are being taken to maintain the habitat.

The fate of the turtles at Kajalheri will depend largely on efforts to restore the pond and prevent further pollution. Addressing untreated sewage, improving water quality and ensuring continued monitoring could be crucial to protecting the reserve’s turtle population. The reported crisis underscores the importance of sustained conservation measures to prevent a protected wildlife habitat from becoming a threat to the species it was created to safeguard.

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