While spotting a rare species of wild animal can often be a cause for celebration, in India, the recent sighting of an endangered turtle was just the opposite.
What's happening?
The rare Indian softshell turtle was observed by locals in Borpara in the district of Assam, India. The animal was spotted emerging from waters near a highway, according to The Assam Tribune. Indian softshell turtles are an endangered species.
Concerned residents believed that the turtle had surfaced to escape highly polluted waters. They blamed the pollution on a local market, where they say that businesses illegally dump garbage into the Boko River.
Residents have accused businesses of illegally dumping leftover food, remains from meat and fish markets, and other trash into the Boko River, which feeds the much larger Brahmaputra River, per the Assam Tribune.
The locals who spotted the turtle contacted the Singra Forest Range Office, where experts identified the animal as a member of an endangered species. The turtle was later re-released in a safer location.
Why is illegal dumping important?
Illegal dumping does much more than just pose an eyesore to local communities. It harms the environment, potentially contaminating soil and polluting waterways. Illegally dumped debris also can contain hazardous materials, which can be toxic for humans, crops, and wildlife.
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"Illegal dumping is a serious problem," according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. "It can threaten public health, safety, property values, and quality of life."
What's being done about illegal dumping?
While illegal dumping poses a massive problem around the world, vigilant residents and local authorities can take action to hold offenders accountable. By levying fines or even forcing the offenders to clean up the mess themselves, authorities can both punish those responsible and deter others from following suit.
If you notice illegal dumping taking place in your community, contact your local authorities.
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