PANAJI
A day after the ban on entry to forest areas caused chaos and left crowds of tourists stranded at Dudhsagar, Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane held a detailed review meeting with officials to explore safety protocols so forests can be made accessible even as the Forest Department mulled outsourcing the management of Bondla zoo.
Rane said he has instructed officials to identify high and medium risk areas in the jurisdiction of the regions coming under the forest department's charge so that lifeguards can be deployed for safety.
"Additionally we will plan more activities and initiatives to attract people and allow them to enjoy the forest's uniqueness during the monsoon season," Rane said.
Meanwhile, the Forest Department is parallely considering to outsource the management of the Bondla zoo and other wildlife sanctuaries and protected areas to external agencies, Rane said.
“This approach will facilitate proper management and enable us to deliver high-quality services,” he said in a tweet after he held a detailed review meeting with forest officials.
He said, the department has been issued instructions to expedite the development of a comprehensive policy and a 'Wildlife Management Plan' to ensure its effective implementation.
"Additionally I reviewed the ongoing facelift of Bondla zoo and emphasized the need for strict measures to protect and safeguard turtle nesting sites along our coast," Rane said.
On Sunday, the area around the picturesque Dudhsagar waterfall was a scene of chaos with crowds of tourists and locals stranded there after police and Forest Department officials stopped them from entering the waterfall area.
The Forest Department banned entry to these areas under its jurisdiction after a series of drowning deaths at waterfalls and other water bodies recently.
