Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The inquiry into the recent leopard death emerged as a key focus during a comprehensive review meeting of the Goa Forest Department chaired by Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane, who also reviewed monsoon preparedness and the state’s broader wildlife conservation strategy.
The meeting, attended by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and the RAF, included detailed discussions on the ongoing inquiry into the leopard’s death and measures to strengthen protection and monitoring of wildlife across Goa’s protected areas.
Officials reviewed plans to augment road networks within protected forests to improve patrolling and surveillance, while also discussing scientific studies on wildlife movement patterns to better manage human-wildlife conflict.
Measures for the control of invasive species and enhancement of grasslands and native fruit-bearing vegetation were also deliberated.
The department further examined a proposal to establish a genome sequencing laboratory in collaboration with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, aimed at strengthening scientific research and wildlife conservation.
Plans to enhance wildlife rescue infrastructure and provide dedicated veterinary support were also reviewed.
The progress of the Bondla Zoo Foundation was assessed, with discussions on preparing a comprehensive development plan to upgrade the facility in line with global zoo standards. Enhancement of water bodies within protected areas and conservation of turtle nesting sites through the inclusion of additional locations in the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) also featured in the review.
With the monsoon season underway, special emphasis was placed on visitor safety. The meeting discussed carrying-capacity assessments and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for waterfalls, mandatory registration of tour and trek operators conducting activities in protected areas, and greater community participation in eco-tourism initiatives.
The review also covered the status of plantations under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, geo-tagging and survival monitoring of saplings, the functioning of the Wildlife Rescue & Complaint App, revamping the department’s social media outreach, and proposed improvements to the Goa Forest Service Rules.
The minister reiterated that conservation, scientific management, public safety and community participation will remain central to the state’s efforts to protect Goa’s biodiversity and natural heritage.
