MARGAO
Asserting that it is evident now that fire mafia is once again activated and their hand is suspected in huge fires at Paroda Hills in Cuncolim Constituency and Chapoli Dam Area in Canacona, Leader of opposition Yuri Alemao has demanded a high-level Inquiry under Retired High Court judge to probe cause of these fires destroying green cover of Goa, saying the government machinery is helpless to control these fires.
“It is shocking that Government did not take any steps to prevent such fires in eco sensitive & forest areas despite incidents of huge fires in Goa in February and March which destroyed trees, vegetations and paddy fields almost in all talukas of Goa," pointed Yuri.
He said he had raised the issue in last Assembly Session and had warned the Government of fire mafia operating in Goa to convert green areas into concrete jungles.
“I had also urged Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane to appoint a High Level Committee under Retired High Court Judge to investigate into the fire incidents in Goa”, Yuri said.
He, however, pointed out that the replies he got from the Legislative Assembly Questions clearly exposes that Government is totally ill prepared to handle, control & manage fire incidents in eco-sensitive areas. Forest Minister and BJP Government is only giving assurances without any action plan in place, Yuri said.
“I was at Paroda till late night and spoke to Forest Officials as well as South Goa Collector. All of them showed their limitations as Disaster Management Cell itself is weak in Goa, stated Yuri.
Saying these fires cannot be termed as isolated incidents, Yuri said there is a systematic game plan to destroy green cover with an eye on the land to be used for real estate. We need to wake up now and remain vigilant, he added.
