the goan I network
SANGUEM
Commending the government for suspending the RFO at Netravali, the Sanguem Block Youth Congress has appealed to the government to stop other atrocities by the forest department on the tribal people in the
region.
Sanguem Block Youth Congress President Messiah (Meshu) D’Costa welcomed the order issued by the principal chief conservator of forests suspending Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary Range Forest Officer John Fernandes for his alleged role in the destruction of areca nut plantation at Verlem-Sanguem.
“While we welcome the suspension order, the government should also ensure an immediate halt to harassment by the forest department against villagers in the hilly areas of Netravali,” D’Costa told reporters.
D’Costa accused the forest department of charging fees from people visiting the hilly areas. “The department does not even spare the immediate relatives of people residing in the hilly areas from the entry fee to the Netravali Wild Life Sanctuary,” alleged
D’Costa.
Forest department officials have, however, denied the allegations. Inquiries have revealed that the forest department does not charge any fees from
people visiting residential areas, but a fee is charged from visitors entering the Wildlife Sanctuary and those visiting the Savari and Mainapi waterfalls.
D’Costa has appealed to Forest Minister Vijai Sardessai to issue the necessary notification and directions to forest department officials to stop the alleged harassment meted out to tribal people in the hilly areas at the time of reconstruction and renovation of their houses.
“The wildlife and fauna in the hilly areas of Verlem and Salgini are protected by villagers in these hilly areas since the time of their ancestors and much before the Netravali
wildlife Sanctuary came into existence. Since the recent past, forest department under the pretext of the wildlife sanctuary, have been harassing locals and this needs to be stopped,” claimed
D’costa.
Meanwhile, Netravali Deputy Sarpanch Abhijit Dessai said this is the just the beginning of the people’s fight against harassment by the forest department. “In the days to come, people shall move forward to seek the removal of Netravali panchayat areas from the jurisdiction of the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary for the smooth and hassle-free existence of the people,” said Dessai.
