'Declaring certain animals as vermin should be last resort'

Even as the Leader of Opposition in Goa Assembly, Pratapsinh Rane, today demanded that wild boars and monkeys should be declared as vermin, Forest Minister Rajendra Arlekar told the House that giving this tag to particular animals should be the "last resort".
"Declaring particular animals as vermin should be the last resort. We are ready to frame any scheme, which can provide relief to the farmers," Arlekar told the Legislative Assembly while speaking on demand for grants to Forest department.
Earlier, while speaking in the House, Rane demanded that wild boar and monkeys should be declared as vermin as they destroy crops.

Arlekar said Chief Conservator of Forests has already submitted a report on the possibility of declaring some animals as nuisance, which would be put up before the State Wildlife Board.
"The proposal would be discussed in State Wildlife Board and would be forwarded to the National Wildlife Board, only if required," the minister said.
Arlekar said the state government is sympathetic towards the problems faced by farmers due to the nuisance created by animals.
The minister said usually animal is declared vermin in particular area and for specific season.
"It cannot be given permission to be declared as vermin throughout the year and to entire area," he said.