Update 5th May
Goafornia the venue partner for the lantern festival cancelled the event and the event organisers Amusant events has postponed the event citing the early arrival of the monsoon. They have also said that new dates for this event will be announced shortly.
Demands:
Cancel the lantern festival announced for 25th May 2024
Ban on use of lanterns near eco sensitive zones like the coast and forests
What is the issue?
Goafornia, a hotel along Morjim beach, has joined hands with Amusant events to announce a ticketed lantern festival on the eco-sensitive Morjim beach! They intend to release thousands of lanterns into the sky on May 25, 2024.
Morjim beach is home to many species of marine and terrestrial plants and animals. It is especially known for the nesting Olive Ridley turtles whose eggs are still hatching, putting thousands of baby sea turtles at risk of entanglement and strangulation.
The near shore waters also host other species of animals like the Indian Ocean Humpback dolphin and the Indo-Pacific Finless porpoise. In addition to these highly endangered mammals and reptiles, Morjim also hosts many endemic and migratory bird species that will be at risk of injury and entrapment from these lanterns.
Not only does the event threaten the lives of these endangered species, it could also prove to be a fire hazard for the locals living alongside the coast. Many shacks and homes along the coast have thatched roofs made of coconut leaves.
So far citizens have sent hundreds of emails to the authorities. Owing to the pressure, the Deputy collector of Pernem and the Morjim Sarpanch have assured citizens that the event will not happen but the event organisers are yet to put out a cancellation statement. It is imperative that this event is cancelled with immediate effect and all measures are taken to prevent any such events in the future.
Sources:
Upcoming lantern fest in Morjim ignites a firestorm -O Heraldo
Lantern festival at Morjim beach, a turtle nesting site, kicks up stir -Times of India
From tomorrow, sale & flying of sky lanterns banned for 1 mth -Times of India
P.S. At Jhatkaa.org, we advocate for the protection of our environment using different tools, citizen mobilisation and advocacy. To be able to continue what we do, we rely on the support of members like you. Your donation, no matter the size, will directly contribute to our efforts to protect Goa's environment and ensure a sustainable future. Consider contributing by clicking here.
Update 5th May
Goafornia the venue partner for the lantern festival cancelled the event and the event organisers Amusant events has postponed the event citing the early arrival of the monsoon. They have also said that new dates for this event will be announced shortly.
Demands:
Cancel the lantern festival announced for 25th May 2024
Ban on use of lanterns near eco sensitive zones like the coast and forests
What is the issue?
Goafornia, a hotel along Morjim beach, has joined hands with Amusant events to announce a ticketed lantern festival on the eco-sensitive Morjim beach! They intend to release thousands of lanterns into the sky on May 25, 2024.
Morjim beach is home to many species of marine and terrestrial plants and animals. It is especially known for the nesting Olive Ridley turtles whose eggs are still hatching, putting thousands of baby sea turtles at risk of entanglement and strangulation.
The near shore waters also host other species of animals like the Indian Ocean Humpback dolphin and the Indo-Pacific Finless porpoise. In addition to these highly endangered mammals and reptiles, Morjim also hosts many endemic and migratory bird species that will be at risk of injury and entrapment from these lanterns.
Not only does the event threaten the lives of these endangered species, it could also prove to be a fire hazard for the locals living alongside the coast. Many shacks and homes along the coast have thatched roofs made of coconut leaves.
So far citizens have sent hundreds of emails to the authorities. Owing to the pressure, the Deputy collector of Pernem and the Morjim Sarpanch have assured citizens that the event will not happen but the event organisers are yet to put out a cancellation statement. It is imperative that this event is cancelled with immediate effect and all measures are taken to prevent any such events in the future.
Sources:
Upcoming lantern fest in Morjim ignites a firestorm -O Heraldo
Lantern festival at Morjim beach, a turtle nesting site, kicks up stir -Times of India
From tomorrow, sale & flying of sky lanterns banned for 1 mth -Times of India
P.S. At Jhatkaa.org, we advocate for the protection of our environment using different tools, citizen mobilisation and advocacy. To be able to continue what we do, we rely on the support of members like you. Your donation, no matter the size, will directly contribute to our efforts to protect Goa's environment and ensure a sustainable future. Consider contributing by clicking here.