Jungle lodges like in K’taka, MP to be developed in Goa: Rane

Panaji: The Goa Forest Development Corporation will be the nodal body for all ecotourism activities in the state, forests minister Vishwajit Rane said on Thursday. Rane also said that jungle lodges like those in Karnataka’s forests and wildlife parks similar to those in Madhya Pradesh will now be developed in Goa.
“In addition to its current responsibilities, Goa Forest Development Corporation will be in charge of all #ecotourism activities, as well as the management of forest parks under the @goaforests. It will serve as the nodal agency for these activities,” Rane tweeted on Thursday.
The state forest development corporation is led by Rane’s wife and first time MLA from Poriem constituency Deviya Rane.
Santosh Kumar, additional principal chief conservator of forests and chief wildlife warden for Goa, will serve as the coordinating officer ‘to ensure that this transition goes smoothly’, Rane said.
The minister said that former principal chief conservator of forests for Madhya Pradesh is being roped in to prepare the forest management plan for Goa.
“The government will bring in experts such as Mr Luthra, instrumental in creating the successful jungle lodges in #Kabini (Karnataka) and has a vast knowledge in park management & development in forest areas, along with Mr Raman Ji former PCCF of Madhya Pradesh & former field director of Bandavgarh (MP),” Rane said.
The latter will help Goa implement “the vision of the government, prepare a forest management plan and develop wildlife parks”, the minister said.
Vinay Luthra in Karnataka and Raman K in Madhya Pradesh have served as principal chief conservators of forests.