Cutting-edge tech to be used to reforest patches burnt by fires: Rane

Panaji: Forest minister Vishwajit Rane on Saturday said drones and other cutting-edge technology will be put to use to plant trees in patches burnt down during the recent series of forest fires in Goa.
The minister also said that a wildlife safari park will be developed in Goa with the Centre’s assistance. “We will have review meetings and visit various parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the state. We have a plan in place; we have already spoken to Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav and DG forest C P Goel about a wildlife safari park,” Rane tweeted on Saturday.
The minister said that the Goa forest department's earlier programme for forests, which was adopted around 10-15 years ago, lacked proper focus, vision and involvement of experts.
“Hence going forward, a new strategy will be adopted by me to revitalise the management following the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I am confident that by creating a five-year plan and putting it into action, we will be able to make significant changes in the next four years,” said Rane.
He said that in the past trees were planted on several grazing grounds, depriving wild animals of nourishment, as a result of which the wild animals were seen invading fields with human habitation and damaging farm crops.
“Considering this, it is crucial for us to work with experts and make sure we can implement the forest management plan in a way that benefits our wildlife. (Now) former PCCF & wildlife expert, Karnataka Govt Luthra, and Sujeet Dongre, an expert member of GCZMA, will assist (Goa forest department) on conservation issues,” said Rane.
He said the Union environment minister will be given a detailed presentation on the preservation of Goa's forests and the improvement of its biodiversity.
“As stated by our prime minister, forest protection is a commitment, not a compulsion, and we will make sure that the department moves in the direction of his vision,” tweeted Rane. Emphasis will be on the department's accountability and responsibilities assigned to specific officers so they deliver on their commitments to the state, he said.