Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: In a major crackdown on illegal wildlife trade, the Forest Department staff of the Panaji Range, under the North Goa Division, conducted a raid and seized 47 processed skins and 14 traditional musical instruments (Ghumats) made from the skin of the protected Monitor Lizard.
The Monitor Lizard is a Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which affords it the highest level of legal protection. Possession, trade, or harm to this species constitutes a serious offence under the Act.
One individual, Gabriel Sebastian Rodrigues, a resident of Mapusa, has been booked under relevant provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act. Authorities confirmed that further investigation is currently underway to trace the source and potential network involved in the illegal trade.
Taking cognizance of the incident, Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane has directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) to intensify monitoring and ensure swift and stringent action against such violations.
“This is a serious matter, and we must ensure strict implementation of the law to curb wildlife crimes. I have instructed the PCCF to take immediate steps to prevent such activities,” Rane stated.
Officials suspect the Ghumats, often used during traditional Ganesh Chaturthi festivities, may have been sourced for commercial purposes, raising broader concerns about wildlife exploitation linked to cultural practices.
Further raids and surveillance are expected in the coming days as the department ramps up efforts to dismantle illegal wildlife trade networks in Goa.
