PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured the legislative assembly to appoint an expert to study the cause of the raging forest fires in the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary that occurred in March even as the Opposition demanded that the issue warranted a high-level investigation by a retired High Court judge.
“We will (appoint an expert)…All measures are taken to prevent the reoccurrence of wildfires and agencies will be allotted all the required equipment to tackle any such situations in the future,” the Chief Minister said while replying to Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao and Goa Forward legislator Vijai Sardesai, who insisted for an investigation by a retired High Court judge.
During the discussion in reply to the Private Members' Resolution tabled by Alemao, Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane maintained that the Forest Department is capable of inquiring into this matter with a preliminary report already uploaded on its website. The minister refused to bow down to the demand of the opposition legislators.
“I don’t mind calling for a joint meeting. We can meet in the (forest) department and document it (minutes of the meeting). A report is already prepared and in addition to it, if you (The opposition) need to give any specific suggestion, we can work together,” the minister said. "I don't see a reason for further inquiry. Whatever has to be done will be done."
Sardesai then sought an expert for the inquiry. The Chief Minister intervened, assuring the House that an expert will be appointed to inquire into the fire incidents in the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary, eco-sensitive zones, hills and forest areas. Rane thereafter suggested the opposition legislators share the names of experts who will be put on board for a discussion with the minister and officials.
Alemao had called for a High-Level Commission to investigate the “Conspiracy Angle” as well as conduct a “Scientific Study” to find the cause of the devastating Fires.
