New Delhi: In a major boost to Delhi’s wildlife conservation efforts, the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary (ABWS) in Tughlakabad has successfully recorded the birth of an Indian Flapshell turtle hatchling, signalling progress in ecological restoration at the sanctuary’s Turtle Pond.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, sharing the news on social media platform X, stated:
“Encouraging signs from Delhi’s wild heart. A turtle hatchling spotted at Asola Bhatti’s Turtle Pond signals a breakthrough in our conservation journey. This season marks successful turtle breeding thanks to improved ecological conditions.”
The Indian Flapshell Turtle, listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, is protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972—indicating the highest level of legal protection.
Encouraging signs from Delhi’s wild heart!
— Manjinder Singh Sirsa (@mssirsa) August 4, 2025
A turtle hatchling spotted at Asola Bhatti’s Turtle Pond signals a breakthrough in our conservation journey.
This is what sustained ecological commitment looks like.
This season marks successful turtle breeding thanks to improved… pic.twitter.com/sCaIIwJn1j
According to a statement from the ABWS, the ecologically sensitive Aravalli Hills region has seen a marked improvement in turtle nesting and development following a series of ecological upgrades. These include the creation of a semi-natural habitat tailored to the needs of rescued turtles.
Key habitat enhancement efforts at the sanctuary include:
- Introduction of sand beds for natural nesting
- Maintenance of optimal water levels during dry seasons
- Installation of large basking stones to replicate natural basking behaviour
- Addition of aquatic grasses and sloping banks to facilitate turtle mobility
- Preservation of thick vegetation cover to simulate a natural micro-ecosystem
Officials said these steps have collectively contributed to successful turtle breeding and hatching, making the Asola Bhatti Rescue Centre a model for freshwater turtle rehabilitation in urban environments.
“The recent hatching confirms that our micro-habitat design is working. We hope to see continued success in breeding cycles in the coming months,” an ABWS official added.
This milestone reinforces Delhi’s growing role in urban wildlife protection, while serving as a template for sustainable biodiversity management across India.
