In a major step towards safeguarding its river ecosystems, 6.72 crore square metres of land along the banks of the Mandovi and Zuari river has been identified as ecologically sensitive by the Goa Forest Department. Further, it has sought regulatory action for their protection, as per an official communication.
Officials said that the exercise was undertaken after directions from Goa Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane.
According to a letter issued by the Office of the Deputy Conservator of Forests, the department carried out identification and delineation of ecologically vulnerable areas along the two major rivers in the state.
Overall, the mapped area spans 6,729.54 hectares (nearly 6.72 crore square metres) across both riverbanks and covers stretches considered environmentally critical.
The Forest Department has formally written to the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department and asked to take necessary action under existing rules and regulations to protect these zones from ecological degradation.
Detailed maps of the identified areas were provided for further examination and implementation, the statement added.
On Rane’s direction, this move looks forward to ensure long-term conservation of river ecosystems, besides preventing unregulated development along the banks of Goa’s key rivers, officials said.
Notably, this directive was issued with approval from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Panaji.