In News:

On World Turtle Day (May 23, 2025), Assam’s Nagshankar Temple was officially declared a model temple for turtle conservation, highlighting the ecological role of temple ponds in preserving India’s turtle biodiversity.

Key Highlights

Nagshankar Temple – A Model for Turtle Conservation

• Location: Sootea town, Biswanath district, ~70 km from Tezpur, Assam.
• Established: Believed to be built in the 4th century AD by King Nagashankar of the Nagakha dynasty.
• Religious Importance: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, but turtles are revered as incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
• Ecological Value: Functions as a micro-wildlife sanctuary — home to 250–300 turtles, along with peacocks, pythons, and deer.

Turtle Conservation Initiatives

Species Conserved:

• Black Softshell Turtle (Nilssonia nigricans) – Critically Endangered
• Indian Softshell Turtle (Nilssonia gangetica)
• Malayan Softshell Turtle

These species thrive in the temple pond, which is fed by the Brahmaputra River basin, offering a suitable natural habitat.

Community & Scientific Collaboration:

• Key Stakeholders:
  • Nagshankar Temple Committee
  • Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) India
  • Help Earth (NGO)
  • Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve
  • Assam Forest Department
• Conservation Methods:
  • Artificial egg incubation and wild release of hatchlings.
  • Dried-fish diet introduced for temple turtles, replacing harmful offerings (e.g., biscuits, puffed rice).
  • Capacity-building workshops for forest staff and students to aid in turtle surveys.

Result: 486 hatchlings of the black softshell turtle have been released into the wild from the Nagshankar Temple pond.

Statewide Turtle Conservation Model

• Assam houses ~25 temple ponds actively involved in turtle conservation.
• Notable site: Hayagriva Madhav Temple in Hajo (Kamrup district).
• State Zoo in Guwahati has a dedicated breeding facility (established 2010) for the Assam Roofed Turtle (Pangshura sylhetensis, "Asomi Dura").