PANAJI
In the wake of increasing wildfires, Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane has warned to prosecute unauthorised entrants to wildlife areas. While admitting that hotter and drier weather with low humidity could be attributed to raging forest fires, the minister did not rule out mischievous activities which have threatened the bio-diversity.
The Forest Department has been directed to arrest miscreants indulging in activities that could result in fire or are intentionally destroying the dry patches.
“The forest officers are instructed to arrest persons entering into wildlife areas. Mischievous people or those intending to party within the forest and protected areas will be prosecuted. Even those deliberately setting the dry patches on fire in forest areas will be booked under the Wildlife Protection Act, and arrested,” the minister said while addressing a press conference in Panaji after conducting an aerial survey of fires in Mhadei sanctuary.
Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCFs) in various ranges are directed to ensure that entry into the wildlife sanctuaries is prohibited and people are prohibited to put out wildfires. The Range Forest Officers and the forest guards posted in respective areas will hereafter be deployed 24X7 to monitor wildfires. Their deployment will continue till the onset of monsoon.
The government, Rane said, has launched an investigation into massive fires across nine locations in the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary. “Various aspects have to be scientifically examined…I just cannot make a vague media statement till the inquiry concludes… If I get 10 days, all nitty-gritty will be thoroughly examined. Action will be taken accordingly,” he assured.
On Wednesday morning, Rane along with the Flag Officer Commanding (Goa Area) conducted an aerial survey of Mhadei, Dherodem, Satre and Cotarli in Sanguem, Anmod Ghat, Kalem, Dharbandora and a private forest in Parra.
The fires are active but under control, he added, while assuring that Indian Air Force and Indian Navy are assisting the State fire department and the forest department to douse the flames. An additional helicopter from Karnataka will also join the current fleet. The rescue mission comprises around 797 rescue officers and locals from respective panchayats. Since morning 14 to 16 tonnes of water was dumped by helicopters on forest fires and 18 fires have been doused till Wednesday evening.
