Indian Flapshell Turtle Rescued from Sewage Canal in Mayapuri
The reptile was found to be healthy and without visible injuries
A Schedule I protected Indian flapshell turtle was rescued from a sewage canal in Mayapuri in the national capital by the Rapid Response Unit of Wildlife SOS, officials said on Wednesday.
The freshwater reptile was found in a residential colony after a local resident spotted it struggling inside the narrow canal and alerted the organisation’s emergency helpline.
A two-member rescue team reached the spot and carefully navigated the confined space to safely secure the turtle. The reptile was found to be healthy and without visible injuries. After completing the required formalities, the turtle was handed over to authorities at the Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary for further care and eventual release into a suitable natural habitat.
Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, said rapid urban expansion often leaves wild animals vulnerable in hazardous spaces and credited the alert resident for ensuring timely intervention.
Suvidha Bhatnagar, Communication Director of the organisation, said the incident demonstrated how citizen awareness can play a crucial role in wildlife protection.
The Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata) is widely distributed across India and inhabits ponds, lakes, rivers and marshes. Recognised for the skin flaps that cover its limbs when retracted, the species plays an important ecological role in maintaining aquatic ecosystems but faces threats from habitat degradation and pollution.
