Goa to demarcate sensitive areas near wildlife sanctuaries

Goa government will demarcate the ecologically sensitive areas around its wildlife sanctuaries and submit a detailed report to Union Ministry of Environment and Forests by January 31 next year, State Environment Minister Alina Saldanha said today.
Goa has not accepted Dr Kasturirangan report (on the Western Ghats) as "it has not taken into consideration the land constraints and social needs of the people," Saldanha told the State Legislative Assembly.
"The state government is of the opinion that the report totally ignores the land constraints. The government has brought to the notice of MoEF that out of total geographical area of 3,700 sq kms, already area of 1,250 sq kms comes under forest cover, area of 70 sq kms comes under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), 96.80 sq km comprises of water bodies. Besides, there are other restrictions like archaeological monuments," she said.

The minister was responding to a question raised by Independent MLA Vijay Sardesai regarding the state government's action on Dr Kasturirangan report.
Saldanha said the state government is committed to protect its environment and land, but it is also responsible for the people.
"Therefore, the state government has pointed out various lacunae and informed the MoEF that the recommendations in the report are not acceptable," she said.
"The MoEF has accepted our stand and given all the states involved an opportunity to carry out demarcation on ground reality and the state government has asked for time up to January 31, 2015, when the report will be placed before the Union government," she added.