Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: Minister for Forest Vishwajit Rane informed that eight additional Anti-Poaching Camps (APCs) have been set up across all Protected Areas of the State in past two years for more robust protection measures.
“Eight additional Anti-Poaching Camps (APCs) have been set up across all Protected Areas of the State in past two years for more robust protection measures. Altogether 29 APCs are functional now,” said Rane
He further said that M-STrIPES have been deployed in all Protected Areas of the State and actively used by the field staff on day to day protection duties.
“Periodical refresher, awareness and capacity building programmes are organised along with WII, WCCB and other experts for wildlife monitoring, wildlife crime intelligence, detection, investigation etc.,” he said
Rane said that the State Board for Wildlife, Chaired by Chief Minister in its meeting held on 12.07.2023 noted that legal provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 with respect to protection for Protected Areas including Wildlife Sanctuary, National Park, etc and that for Tiger Reserve are almost similar.
Minister said that considering the existing facts and circumstance, Board unanimously resolved that declaration of already notified Protected Areas in Goa as Tiger Reserve which as per NTCA guidelines should be an inviolate area, will not serve any significant purpose, at this stage and neither will it be feasible in view of relatively small Protected Areas and large population living in and around these Protected Areas.
“Claim settlement process in all Forest and Protected areas are is an on-going process. The Government has appointed ROCs/FSO for settlement of rights in protected areas as per the provisions of the prevalent Acts and Rules,” Minister informed