Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Kamal Datta, IFS, visited the State award-winning Shristhal Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) and explored several iconic trees and ritualistic sites in the village. The visit was accompanied by Deputy Conservator of Forests South Goa Division, Santosh Kumar Reddy, and Canacona Sub Divisional Forest Officer, Harsh Fadke.
During the visit, Datta met with the Shristhal BMC and discussed various topics related to biodiversity conservation. He expressed appreciation for the BMC’s ongoing efforts and assured full support for future biodiversity projects.
Datta’s tour included visits to several significant sites, such as ‘Ghodepaik,’ a sacred grove in the Gulem forest area considered vital for biodiversity, the iconic Jermal Tree, and the Shree Mallikarjun Temple at Shristhal. He also visited the centuries-old Banyan Tree at Partagal and the Jivottam Mutt.
The team was welcomed by Shristhal Sarpanch Sejal Gaonkar, along with local panchayat members Akshada Velip, Nilesh Gaunkar, and BMC members Anjali Gaonkar and Tejas Naik Gaonkar. BMC member and visit coordinator Shirish Pai provided detailed information about the functioning of the BMC and the significance of the iconic trees and sacred sites, including the ritualistic ‘Ghodepaik.’
During the visit, Panch Ganesh Gaonkar raised concerns regarding forest-related issues faced by the village. The visit concluded with a vote of thanks by BMC Chairman Vinay Tubki.
