PANAJI
In the recent wildfire that caused huge damage to the natural flora and fauna, the Forest Department has chalked out plans to prioritize the restoration of 3.20 sq km of government-owned forests with assessments already underway.
Chief Wildlife Warden Saurabh Kumar said that the sudden spurt of fires had damaged approximately 4.18 square kms of forest area, including wildlife forests, private land, reserve forests, and the comunidade land.
“The Deputy Conservators of Forest of the North and South Goa are already directed to conduct a detailed assessment of the affected areas and identify the existing plant species, to undertake a plantation and restore it to its former glory,” Kumar said, emphasizing that the department is serious about reviving the gutted forest.
In addition, the Department will also assist the private players and comunidades to undertake plantations in their respective areas.
Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane had earlier stated that the department will use advanced technologies, including drones, to restore the forest areas that were lost due to the wildfire. To ensure that wild animals are not deprived of their nourishment, the department will take measures to maintain their food sources and preserve their natural habitat.
The wildfire was a significant threat to the State's biodiversity as 74 fire incidents were reported in the first fortnight of March. Out of these, 32 fire incidents were reported in three wildlife sanctuaries including Mhadei.
The State government is yet to come out with an official statement on what caused the fire even as the Rajya Sabha and Goa Legislative Assembly attributed it to extreme weather conditions. On the other hand, the ongoing inquiry raised suspicions of human involvement, albeit unintentional.
Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ashwini Kumar Choubey during the parliament session this month said the fire was largely due to “a prolonged dry spell, unprecedented high temperatures, and low humidity” whereas Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, in a reply to a Calling Attention in the legislative assembly, last month, said that Goa recorded extreme weather conditions. He cited nil or scant rains since mid-October, above-average temperatures and very low humidity.
