PANJIM: The Forest department has notified 37,165 ha land surveyed under survey No. 56 (P) of Balli Village of Quepem Taluka as reserved forest.
The area is known as Musulem or Ondimolis having a gradual slope and covered with compensatory afforestation plantation of mixed species of forestry trees.
As per 2010 notification, it was proposed to constitute the land as Reserved Forest. The period fixed for the presentation of claims to rights in and over these lands, forest produce has elapsed and no claims, had been made and also the period for appeal from the orders passed on the said claims had elapsed and no appeals had been presented within the prescribed period to the competent authority, states the notification.
“And whereas all lands, if any acquired for inclusion in the forest, have become vested in the government under the law of compulsory acquisition. Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 20 of the said Act, the Government of Goa declares the said land and forest to be Reserved Forest with effect from the date of issue of this Notification subject to the provision that the villages named hereinafter shall have no rights and enjoy no concession therein,” the notification stated.
2 forest guards suspended for seeking bribe from businessman
PANJIM: Two Forest Guards have been suspended for allegedly seeking bribe from a businessman from Mapusa.
The accused have been identified as Sandip Mandrekar and Prasad Teli. Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane has said that the duo will be dismissed if found guilty.
