PANAJI
Days after inspecting the stretch of highway where large-scale destruction of mangroves was witnessed, TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane on Friday said that Town Planners & PDA of the TCP Department have been directed to ensure that eco-sensitive areas are protected by keeping a strict vigil to see that they are not converted.
Speaking to media, Rane said, “as per the Regional Plan 2021, I have directed the Town Planners & PDA of the TCP Department to ensure eco-sensitive areas are protected at all costs”.
He said he has instructed officials to keep a strict vigil to ensure that these areas are not converted, adding the department will be closely monitoring any changes.
On Wednesday, Rane had inspected the area along the Merces-Santa Cruz highway where debris and waste was dumped in the mangroves.
Meanwhile, Rane who is also Forest Minister said more areas will be notified for turtle conservation as part of Goa Forest Department’s effort to place Goa on the country's Sea Turtle map.
Turtle conservation is being carried out at four turtle nesting beaches in Goa -- Morjim and Mandrem in North Goa and Agonda and Galgibag in South Goa.
Olive Ridley turtles are one of five marine turtles that visit these beaches and lay eggs from November to April.
The Forest Department will take additional steps to ensure the success of the turtle conservation programme, he said.
