1 held as raid uncovers illegal wildlife use
MAPUSA
The forest staff of the Panaji Range, North Goa Division, conducted a raid at Duler-Mapusa and seized 47 skins and 14 Ghumats made from the skin of the monitor lizard, a Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
According to reports, the forest department had received information that the Ghumats were being made from monitor lizard skins at Kumarwado, Shelpe-Dhuler. Forest officials raided the area on Tuesday afternoon, while the Ghumats were being made.
The forest department seized 47 monitor lizard skins and 14 Ghumats worth Rs 30,000. The Ghumat craftsman Gabriel Sebastian Rodrigues was arrested in this case under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. On Wednesday evening, a Mapusa court released Rodrigues on bail.
According to forest officials, a similar case was registered against the accused about 15 years ago and 960 Ghumats had been seized from him at that time.
Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane has directed the forest department to ensure strict monitoring and to take immediate action against such illegal activities.
