Two options on cards to protect Vagheri hills, says Vishwajit

Panaji: Forest minister Vishwajit Rane said on Tuesday that plans are afoot to either extend the boundaries of the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary to include the Vagheri hills, or to declare the hill a private forest.“I have been contemplating these two things for a while,” Rane told reporters, adding that similar protection will be offered to sloped areas with vegetation and salt pans.“Someone may accuse me one day that Vishwajit Rane, after becoming minister, sold the hills. Nothing has been sold,” said Rane. “My father (Pratapsingh Rane) was forest minister for the longest time, and several private forests and wildlife sanctuaries were declared during his tenure.”Rane also warned that road developments through hills will not be allowed. A direction has been issued to register a FIR against Amit Rane for a similar violation, he said.The instructions have also been issued to expedite verification of the remaining 480km of private forests, and for a report to be submitted to the Supreme Court at the earliest.Rane said that an audit has been ordered of all sawmills, to ensure compliance with environmental norms. Also, directives have been issued to the chief conservator of forests (CCF) to prepare a comprehensive plan for the conservation of eucalyptus plantations.Ahead of the monsoon, a targeted campaign to curb frog poaching, particularly focused on endangered species, will be taken up, he said. “We are working with local bodies to clamp down on poaching hotspots. The community must be involved in protecting biodiversity,” said Rane.In response to a crocodile attack on a woman at Dabal on Tuesday, Rane said that govt will conduct a population survey of crocodiles and increase awareness among local governing bodies.“Spot inspections and mapping will be carried out to identify human-wildlife conflict zones. Similar studies will also be launched for other species, including leopards and bird populations,” he said.Rane said that the tragic death of a black panther in a road accident is still under investigation.“This was a criminal offence. We will write to the chief minister and PWD to implement speed restrictions in areas where animal crossings are common,” said the forest minister.Rane also said that a rapid response team and a rescue and rehabilitation centre are needed. “We can also provide NGOs engaged in wildlife rescue with designated space to operate. However, there is a need for a full-fledged wildlife hospital in the state,” he said.Additionally, govt will document forest fragmentation and the status of animal corridors, he said.