PANAJI:
The Goa government will draft a Human–Animal Wildlife Conflict Management Policy and study models adopted by Kerala and Karnataka before finalising a framework, Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane told the Assembly.
Rane said the government has no objection to formulating a dedicated policy to address rising incidents of wildlife straying into human habitations and assured that the matter will be discussed with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to finalise a structural framework.
“We have no issue in drafting a Human-Animal Wildlife Conflict Management Policy. We will study the policies adopted in Karnataka and Kerala and can implement the best practices followed by other states as well,” Rane said.
The minister said the Forest Department will formally write to the concerned authorities in the two states to obtain their policy documents and study their approach. He added that the government intends to present a framework for the policy before the end of the ongoing Assembly session.
The reply came after Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao urged the government to introduce a comprehensive human-wildlife conflict management policy similar to the ones implemented in Kerala and Karnataka, noting that those states have dedicated budgets and structured mechanisms to address such incidents.
Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, Rane said several wild animals, including panthers, bison, monkeys, and leopards, are increasingly entering residential areas.
“I know this is a serious issue. It is important for us to create the right ecosystem within forest areas so that wildlife remains within their natural habitat,” he said.
The minister also informed the House that a provision of Rs 3.30 crore has been made to address human-animal conflict in the State. He said the Forest Department will conduct mapping of hotspots affected by monkey menace and compile detailed data to help formulate targeted mitigation measures.
During the discussion, legislators from both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition Indian National Congress expressed concern over the growing wildlife menace in several parts of the State. Members pointed out that monkeys are increasingly destroying crops and fruit-bearing trees in residential areas and farms, causing heavy losses to farmers.
