Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane chaired the monthly review meeting of the Forest Department, taking stock of the progress made on key initiatives and outlining priorities for the months ahead.
The meeting was attended by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and senior departmental officers. Discussions centred on assessing the implementation of decisions taken during the previous review, identifying gaps and strengthening the department’s action plan.
Among the key issues reviewed were monsoon preparedness, implementation of the Human-Wildlife Conflict Management Plan, and the identification of ecologically sensitive stretches along the Mandovi and Zuari rivers.
The department also assessed the status of waterholes and grasslands, besides reviewing prey-predator dynamics across Goa’s protected areas as part of ongoing wildlife management efforts.
Officials discussed the standard operating procedure (SOP) for the registration of eco-guides to ensure a structured and regulated approach to nature-based tourism.
Preparations for the upcoming Van Mahotsav celebrations also came up for review, with emphasis on encouraging greater public participation in tree plantation and biodiversity conservation activities.
Rane said periodic reviews are necessary to monitor progress, improve accountability and ensure that conservation initiatives are implemented effectively. He added that the department remains committed to protecting Goa’s forests, wildlife and natural ecosystems through timely execution of its programmes.
