NT NETWORK

Panaji

The High Court of Bombay at Goa has adjourned the hearing in a case related to Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary to April 20.

A counsel for the original petitioners stated that a report in terms of the High Court order dated February10, 2021 will be filed within two weeks and that the petitioners have already inspected the site on March13, 2021. The High Court said that accordingly, this matter to come up for further consideration on April 20, 2021.

The February 10 order of the High Court said, “Some photographs have been placed on record. However, we feel that it is better if the petitioners visit the forest area and see that if rehabilitation measures have been taken up and are being pursued. Forest authorities to make arrangements for inspection of the sites by the petitioners.”

In relation to Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, the petitioners, in public interest, sought directions for rehabilitation and restoration of the abandoned mined out areas within time-bound period under the supervision of the State Wildlife Advisory
Board.

One of the suggestions made by the petitioners in relation to rehabilitation of such areas is that rehabilitation would occur much quicker if the bare areas were first planted with grass as they take root quickly, providing ground over and when they grow to one meter height (with 2 monsoons) they trap the seeds of trees growing within the sanctuary, thus establishing ‘natural progression’ of forests.