PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday announced that the State government will develop an Early Warning System for forest fires in collaboration with BITS Pilani to help detect and issue alerts before fires actually occur in forest areas.
Sawant said the initiative is aimed at strengthening the State’s preparedness and response to forest fires.
The Chief Minister also announced plans to promote eco-tourism through various initiatives at key wildlife sanctuaries and protected areas in the State. These include Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Mollem National Park, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary and the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.
In another initiative, the government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with RESQ Charitable Trust, based in Pune, to establish a modern Rescue and Rehabilitation facility for wild animals at Betoda in Ponda.
Highlighting afforestation efforts, Sawant said the government has actively implemented the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Against a target of planting 2.01 lakh saplings, the Forest Department, in coordination with various State government departments, has planted 2.19 lakh saplings. Additionally, 10,000 saplings were planted as part of the Seva Parv campaign.
The Chief Minister also announced infrastructure development works at the Forest Park at Campal, for which a budgetary provision of Rs 5 crore has been made.
Further, a provision of Rs 25.65 crore has been allocated to the Goa Forest Development Corporation to organise various activities and events, including the Goa Cashew Fest.
Sawant also informed the House that work on constructing an Entrance Plaza at the Bondla Zoo will begin this year at an estimated cost of Rs 6.92 crore.
