Methi cultivation threatens marine life at Versova beach, say experts

The rampant cultivation of methi (fenugreek) at Versova beach has got several wildlife activists concerned for the life of Olive Ridley Turtles, who are at the risk of falling into the pits dug for methi cultivation. Activists have demanded that this activity be completely stopped.

What has worried wildlife experts as well as officials from Mangrove Cell is the presence of several hundred pits dug by the methi cultivators, where incidentally the hatchlings were found close to one such pits. Resident organisations from Versova have long been fighting to rid the beach of this activity but with no success.

Meanwhile, Sunish Subramanian Kunju, Honorary Wildlife Warden — Mumbai City sent letters to various officials, including Mangrove Cell as well as Collector, stating that these pits were a clear threat to marine life who could get stuck in them.

"We have realised that these pits are quite dangerous and need to be removed from this location. We are planning to talk to officials to understand the ground realities and legalities involved," said Afroz Shah, who has been spearheading the citizens movement of cleaning up the Versova beach.

Some experts who visited the site from where the hatchlings were found said that most cultivators even stay on the beach itself and have made temporary structures. This, they said, has led to a rapid rise in the stray dog population, who could be threat to marine life. "It was fortunate that the dogs did not find these hatchlings or else not one would have survived amongst the 92 released into the sea on Thursday," said a marine enthusiast, adding that if this beach has to be made turtle-friendly for the future, the area will have to be cleared off and all the pits will have to be filled during the nesting season from next year onwards.

A senior official from the Mangrove Cell said that they have asked their staff to coordinate with the Suburban Collector on this issue as the land fell in their jurisdiction. "We have seen the pits and such activities should ideally not be allowed on the beach. Our staff has been instructed to keep a check around the area and stop the activities of these cultivators," said the official.

THREAT TO TURTLES

• The recent turtle hatchlings were found close to one of the pits dug for methi cultivation.
   
• Resident organisations have been fighting to get rid of the activity from the beach for a long time.
   
• This is an effort to make the beach turtle-friendly.