Vasco: Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha expressed shock and dismay over DGP Mukesh Kumar Meena’s stand on the three linear projects.
Alina said, “I am surprised that the DGP, who claims that before joining the IPS he was in the Indian Forest Service, has taken it up as his duty to promote the three linear projects through the protected areas of Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park.
“I want to know from the DGP whether, as per the Forest Conservation Act 1980, the three linear projects can be considered as Forest Acts. Also, whether no destruction will be wrought within these protected areas which are part of the Western Ghats as far as the endemic flora and fauna of these areas is concerned,” she questioned.
Saldanha said she wants to know from the DGP whether any changes have recently been introduced in the Forest Conservation Act 1980 to allow these projects, because when she held the portfolio of Forest Minister, she tried through a Private Forest Management Plan to give some concessions to the owners of the private forest by appealing to MoEF.
“What I had asked for the private forest owners was a small percentage of private forest land for eco-tourism, cultivation of fruit bearing trees and 5% of the area for construction for family needs only, as and when. The reply from MoEF was very precise and the Goa Forest Dept was asked to drop all such plans as the requests could not be considered as Forest Acts under Forest Conservation Act 1980,” she said.
“Being in the Indian Forest Service in the past, the DGP has to be aware of the stringent rules and regulations that govern the protected and other forest areas through the Forest Conservation Act 1980,” Alina said.
The BJP MLA added, “Ours is a democratic government that is of the people, for the people and by the people and therefore the police should not interfere in the activities related to the welfare of Goa and its people, especially when the people of Goa have been agitating peacefully against the destructive projects. Lastly, the police who are the custodian of the State’s law and order machinery should primarily focus upon law & order within the State by bringing down the escalating crime index as well as other illegal and anti-social activities that are presently plaguing the State.”
