Nagshankar Temple of Assam Becomes Modern Temple for Turtle Conservation

Nagshankar Temple, located in Biswanath district in northeastern Assam, has been named a model temple for turtle conservation. This recognition was given on May 23, 2025, during a special event held on World Turtle Day. The event celebrated the temple’s important work in protecting turtles, which are deeply respected in Assam’s culture.

World Turtle Day Celebration at Nagshankar

The event was organized by several groups, including Kaziranga National Park, Assam State Zoo, Nagshankar Temple Committee, Chaidur College and conservation organizations like Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) Foundation India, Aaranyak and Help Earth.

Local MLA Padma Hazarika officially recognized the temple’s role in turtle conservation. People sang songs about turtles and released a special brochure to help the public identify different types of freshwater turtles.

Cultural and Religious Importance

In Assam, turtles are considered sacred and are believed to be a form of Lord Vishnu. Many temple ponds in the state naturally became safe homes for turtles over time. The Nagshankar Temple is one of the best examples of this tradition. It is now supported by conservation experts, especially the TSA Foundation.

Community Support and ‘Kaso Mitras’

The event also honoured local people called ”Kaso Mitras,” or turtle friends. These community members help protect turtles in the area. Anjali Das, president of a women’s weaver group called Kaso Sakhi, explained that turtles clean the water by eating dead and rotten things in ponds and rivers. Her group also makes handloom products with turtles designs to spread awareness.

Turtle Species Protected at Nagshankar Temple

The temple conserves 13 species of freshwater turtles. These include:

• Black Softshell Turtle: Critically Endangered
• Assam Roofed Turtle: Critically Endangered
• Indian Softshell Turtle: Endangered
• Peacock Softshell Turtle: Endangered
• Indian Narrow-Headed Softshell Turtle: Endangered
• Spotted Pond Turtle: Endangered
• Tricarinate Hill Turtle: Endangered
• Indian Flapshell Turtle: Vulnerable
• Indian Roofed Turtle: Vulnerable
• Brown Roofed Turtle: Near Threatened
• Brown Roofed Turtle: Near Threatened
• Assam Leaf Turtle: Near Threatened
• Indian Tent Turtle: Least Concern
• Indian Black Turtle: Least Concern

These classifications are based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, which shows how threatened each species is.