PANAJI
Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane, who also presented Forest Department grants, told the House that the government has opposed the CEC report recommending a tiger reserve. “The Goa government has opposed the CEC report. There is no evidence of any resident tigers in the State,” he said, adding that the matter is before the Supreme Court.
He announced that the Forest Department has identified 13,000 survey numbers with mangroves for protection. “No permission will be granted for any construction activity there,” he said.
The minister also outlined proposals for a marine sanctuary at Galgibag and the development of Bondla Wildlife Park. He highlighted plans to protect Olive Ridley turtle nesting sites at Morjim, Agonda and Galgibag.
In another major announcement, Rane said directions have been issued to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to settle the private forest issue by May. Finalisation and notification of the total private forest cover in the State will be completed by June, he added.
