Goa demands inclusion of its WG stretch in world heritage

The Goa government today revived its demand to include the stretch of Western Ghats traversing through the state in the coveted list of World Heritage sites by UNESCO.
The crucial meeting of Goa State Board for Wildlife which was chaired by Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar decided to put up a proposal to include areas of Western Ghats in the state in the list of World Heritage sites.
"We will pitch for the recognition of our part of the Western Ghats as the surrounding states have already received it for their (western ghat) region," State Forest Minister Rajendra Arlekar said after the meeting.

The coastal state Goa had missed its first opportunity in 2012 when UNESCO had listed 39 spots in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra as world heritage sites.
Arlekar said Western Ghats in Goa are endowed with the architectural wonder of Tambdi Surla temple and protected forests including Bhagwan Mahaveer wildlife sanctuary, National Park, Mhadei Wildlife sanctuary, Netravati Wildlife Sanctuary and Cotigao Wildlife sanctuary.
"The Board decided that we should take up this proposal before UNESCO immediately," he said.

The minister clarified that the developmental activity in the Western Ghats will not be affected due to the tag of world heritage site.

"Also there will no displacement of the villagers living in it. Everything will remain same. Once the Western Ghats are declared as heritage site, we will be able to get more tourists there," he said.
Arlekar said the designation of area as world heritage site does not prohibit any development activity regulated by local laws.