The Nagshankar Temple in Assam was officially acknowledged as a model temple for turtle conservation on World Turtle Day

Regarding the Nagshankar Temple Initiative for Turtle Preservation:

Location: Located in the Biswanath district, close to Sootea town, around 70 km from Tezpur, Assam.

Historical Context:

Thought to have been constructed in the 4th century AD by King Nagashankar from the Nagakha dynasty.

Devoted to Lord Shiva, yet also respects turtles as manifestations of Lord Vishnu.

Main Characteristics:

Contains a sizable pond that shelters 250–300 turtles, featuring critically endangered black softshell turtles.

Additionally, it houses peacocks, pythons, and deer, creating a small wildlife sanctuary.

The temple fulfills both spiritual and environmental roles.

Efforts for Turtle Conservation:

Conservation of Biodiversity:

The pond is home to three uncommon species: Black Softshell, Indian Softshell, and Malayan Softshell turtles.

The Brahmaputra River basin nourishes the pond, providing an ideal habitat.

Community-Driven Safety: The Nagshankar Temple Committee collaborates with Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) India, Help Earth, and Kaziranga National Park.

Scientific Intervention: The forestry sector cultivates turtle eggs in controlled settings and subsequently sets the hatchlings free in their natural habitat.

Replication Throughout Assam: Approximately 25 temples in Assam function as turtle conservation centers, including the Hayagriva Madhav Temple in Hajo.