Drones and cutting-edge technologies will be used, says Rane
Panaji: Announcing an ambitious plan for forest conservation in the state, Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane on Saturday said the government will undertake an exercise using drones and cutting-edge technologies to reforest the areas affected by wildfires.
He said that former principal chief conservator of forests of Karnataka and wildlife expert Vinay Luthra and expert member of the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority Sujeet Dongre will assist the forest department in this endeavour.
“As stated by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, forest protection is a commitment and not a compulsion. We will make sure that the department moves in the direction of his vision,” he reckoned.
A detailed presentation will be made on forest preservation and improvement of Goa’s biodiversity.
“We will have review meetings, and will visit various parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the state. We have a plan in place. We have already spoken to Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav and Director General of Forests C.P. Goel on the proposal for a wildlife safari park,” he disclosed. The Forest Minister expressed confident that the five-year plan will guide the forest department in making significant changes in the next four years.
“In the past, trees were planted on grazing lands, depriving wild animals of the nutrition they require. As a result, they encroach upon fields with human habitations and damage crops. Considering this, it is crucial for us to engage with experts to ensure that we implement the forest management plan in a way that benefits our wildlife,” he stated.
Rane pointed out that the department’s programme adopted for the previous 10-15 years lacked proper focus, vision and involvement of experts.
Hence a new strategy will be adopted to revitalise the forest management, in accordance with the vision of the Prime Minister.
Speaking on transforming Bondla zoo, Rane said, “We have invited officials from the central government for a wide-ranging meeting on the zoo, where we will put forth a detailed strategy to revive it. We will transform the zoo into an appealing location with good animals, providing them the best possible living conditions.”