Staff Reporter
Panaji
Announcing a series of measures aimed at enhancing forest protection and wildlife conservation in Goa, Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane on Tuesday said that a comprehensive survey of the crocodile population will be undertaken, along with a detailed study of major wild animals such as leopards and Indian gaurs.
“We will conduct mapping of crocodile habitats and launch awareness campaigns in areas where their presence is noted,” he said.
The announcements followed a high-level meeting of the forest department held at Altinho.
The forest department will also launch a ‘save the frog’ campaign to raise public awareness about the importance of protecting frogs, which are a protected species.
In addition, a special tree plantation drive is planned from June 5 to mark the World Environment Day.
Rane said the government will soon declare Vagheri hill a protected forest.
He dismissed rumours about the land being sold, calling them “completely baseless”, emphasising that no commercial activity will be permitted in the area.
The existing wildlife sanctuary in the region will also see an expansion of its boundaries.
The department will collaborate with the departments of town and country planning and urban development to promote urban forestry and vertical greening in Goa’s cities.
Furthermore, the government will declare lands under 3,550 survey numbers across the state as designated mangrove reserves.
The verification of around 480 survey numbers identified as private forestlands will also be expedited, in accordance with a Supreme Court directive mandating completion within four months.
The minister also announced a proposal to establish Goa’s first dedicated animal hospital, stating, “At present, there is no animal hospital in the state.”
To protect wild animals, especially leopards and panthers, the forest department will request the public works department to implement speed restrictions on roads passing through wildlife sanctuaries.
Rane said the meeting also focused on human-wildlife coexistence and local conservation efforts, adding that initiatives such as mapping forest fragmentation and creating wildlife corridors will be undertaken in the near future.
The meeting was attended by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Kamal Datta, Chief Conservator of Forests Praveen Kumar Raghav, and other senior officials.
