PANAJI
Learning from the recent sporadic forest fires, the Forest Department has proposed to engage fire watchers by generating 21,000 man-days of jobs, to prevent such incidents in near future. The department has also proposed over Rs 5 crore to implement various measures to tackle wildfires.
In March, State recorded 74 fire incidents covering wildlife sanctuaries, private land, reserve forests, comunidade land, and others. About 4.18 sq km of forest area including 2.27 sq km in three wildlife sanctuaries were affected.
Of the total 74 fire incidents reported during the first fortnight of March, 32 fire incidents were reported in three wildlife sanctuaries.
The National Compensatory Afforestation and Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) of the Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF) has approved the State government proposal, which is part of its annual plan of operation for the financial year 2023-24.
The State has proposed a Forest Fire Prevention and Control Operation proposal that comprises engagement of fire watchers for prevention of forest fires, maintenance and creation of fire line, and construction of watch towers in Netravali and Cotigao wildlife sanctuary.
The proposal also involves supplying wood saving appliances to fringe villages of the two wildlife sanctuaries.
In 2022, 15 minor forest fires were reported in Goa between March and May; 34 fire incidents were reported in the summer of 2021.
The forest fires have devastated many parts of Goa causing severe damage to forest ecosystems, loss of biodiversity. The government has decided to undertake an exercise using drones and cutting-edge technologies to plant trees to restore the flora and fauna in these affected areas.
During the ongoing Assembly session, the Opposition MLAs cornered the government over the incident and alleged conspiracy while demanding investigation.
