Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar today said that if Goa government declares a Tiger reserve all illegalities in and around the area will need to be stopped.
“If the government declares a Tiger reserve all illegalities in and around the area will need to be stopped and that is something the local dispensation wants to avoid,” explained Kerkar.
He further said that the the situation is simple and that the government needs to notify the reserve if they want the people to get ample amount of oxygen and water.
“By declaring the Tiger Reserve, the Western Ghats passing through Goa will be protected and that will form the base for good living for the future generation,” he said
Kerkar also said that when the government went on appeal to the Supreme Court, it became obvious that vested interests wanting to convert large areas of forest land into settlement zone are at play,” assumed Kerkar.
Kerkar insisted that Goa will benefit from the declaration of Tiger Reserve. According to him, it will support the State’s efforts to stop Karnataka from diverting water from the Mhadei River.
In response to South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes on behalf of Goan schoolchildren, Union Minister for the Environment, Forests, and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav said, “I would like to inform you that National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has communicated the matter to the State government for consideration and necessary action,” on September 30.
Following receipt of the State government’s proposal, the NTCA will proceed with the case in accordance with established protocol and the requirements of applicable Acts.
Significantly, NTCA, has made it apparent that the Goa Tiger Reserve is essential and necessary.
