State your opinion: The work done by Bhau Katdare in Konkan is significant.

Answer: I agree with this statement.

• Bhau Katdare of Chiplun founded the Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra organisation (1992) for protecting nature in Konkan.
• He started the conservation of Olive Ridley sea turtles on the Konkan coast (for example at Velas), protecting their eggs and releasing the hatchlings to the sea; ‘turtle festivals’ now attract tourists.
• He also worked to protect the nests of the white-bellied sea eagle and vultures.
• He involved local villagers, so conservation also gave them income through eco-tourism.

Thus his work is an example of people’s participation in environmental protection.