The Forest Department Officials of Gujarat found 14 dead turtles in a dry pond, located in Kutch, which is a desert district in Gujarat.

S S Asoda, the Deputy Conservator of Wildlife Forests said that 14 turtles were found dead in a dried-up pond, but added that they also rescued 15 turtles from the pond after the incident was reported to them on Thursday evening.

Deputy Asoda added, “After being alerted, our team rushed to the pond in Rapar taluka, and found the remains of 14 turtles. They must have died due to lack of water as the severe heatwave has dried up the pond.”

He added, “Fifteen other turtles, which were found alive, have been rescued and have been relocated to a pond in Thanisara village, which is located nearby. The pond still has a sufficient amount of water that could keep the turtles alive and healthy.”

The Narmada water was released in the pond earlier this month, but due to extreme heat, the water dried up, which caused the death of the 14 turtles.