Goa govt tightens rules for issuing gun licence near forests

In a major step towards curbing crimes related to wildlife, the Goa government has decided to include areas beyond 10 kms of radius around forest where gun licences will not be issued now merely for crop protection.
The District Administration which is licensing authority for issuing gun, acts on a NOC provided by the forest department, for people living around forests for crop protection.
"Forest department has been receiving increasing number of applications requesting for gun licences citing crop protection or self protection as a reason (from wild animals)," Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) Ajai Saxena today said.
He was speaking at the Goa government's function to commemorate World Environment Day which falls on June 5.

Saxena said the farmers living within 10 kms of the forest areas are already prohibited from getting gun licence and now the ban will continue even for the areas beyond ten kilometres.
"I am going to stop issuing NOCs as the reason given of crop protection is not acceptable. We can issue if one wants it for self protection but we won't do it in forest areas. Let the applicants come out with some valid reason. Why simply to eliminate the animal in the name of crop protection," he said.

The PCCF also said that the farmers who want to shoo away animals can use "harmless guns".

"Let them use some other means to protect crop. Gun is not a solution," he added.
Speaking about wildlife related crimes, Saxena said"If you think that my forest officers catch everyone then no. It is not possible to stop everything".