PANJIM: The Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant today urged Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to relax the Forest (Conservation) Act for promotion of hinterland eco-tourism projects in the State.
Sawant today participated in the video-conference meeting chaired by Union Minister for MoEF&CC Prakash Javdekar, which was attended by Forest Ministers from all States.
“During the meeting, the Chief Minister invited attention of Union Minister for his intervention for relaxations in Forest (Conservation) Act for promotion of hinterland Eco- Tourism in Goa, which will bring more synergy between people and environment and get them closer to Goa’s natural heritage,” CMO said.
Sawant while appreciating Nagar Van Scheme, regarding creation of “City Forest” suggested to reduce the minimum area to 4 to 5 Ha from proposed 10 ha in case of Goa due to non-availability of such large chunk of land in urban areas
The Chief Minister proposed that being a small state with approximately 68 percent forest and tree cover, the entire State may be considered for LiDAR survey.
During the meeting, Sawant also demanded that River Mhadei be included in the River Rejuvenation Scheme.
“While welcoming newly launched Project Dolphin by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sawant stated that Goa would like to join the project to strengthen the efforts of Centre for protection and conservation of Dolphins. Goa coastal waters have significant population of Humpback Dolphin and Whale,” the statement added.
“Union Minister assured to consider the proposals mentioned by Sawant,” it added.
He also conveyed that 50 School Nurseries are planned to be established in schools of Goa in one year under the School Nursery Scheme.
The Chief Minister assured Union Minister full support as required for the implementation of National Transit Pass System for transport of various Forest Produce with objective of “One Nation One Pass”.
Sawant invited the Union Minister for Environment & Forest for the upcoming Goa Bird Festival to be organized in January next year.
The Chief Minister informed The Union Minister about GOVAN project aimed at achieving conservation through livelihood intervention. This is a joint venture between Goa Forest Department and Goa State Biodiversity Board, launched for sustainable harvesting, value addition and marketing of forest produce involving local communities.
