Forest Dept begins fencing of 2 wildlife sanctuaries

PANJIM, JAN 19
Goa Forest Department has begun an extensive exercise to fence the boundaries of two major wildlife sanctuaries to avoid the infiltration of wild animals into nearby localities.
Deputy Conservator of Forest (DCF) D N F Carvalho said that the five- kilometer-long rubble wall and cattle proof trench is being constructed in Cotigao and Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife sanctuaries in different patches.
He said that the fence will stop the humans and domestic animals from encroaching into the wildlife and also wild animals from straying into human habitations.
The fence is being built at various spots in both the sanctuaries, which are identified by the government.
“One-and-half-metre tall wall will cost Rs 9 lakh per kilometre for the department,” he stated.
The work is funded under Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) resources.
The Forest Department has ensured that the fence is constructed at spots where there are no disputes with the locals and on the Forest Department land.
“This will also make people aware of the wildlife boundaries,” he said.
Although Cotigao is the only sanctuary left with the human habitation, there are settlements around the wildlife sanctuaries almost everywhere. Animal human conflicts have also been reported in the past from these areas.
Carvalho said that once this work is completed, the department will also take up similar projects in other sanctuaries. He said that the fence will also be constructed in Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary to separate zoo from the wildlife area.
“The fencing will be the part of wildlife upgradation, which is already undertaken by the department,” DCF said.
The Forest Department has said that the wall will not prevent the entry into the wildlife sanctuaries. “Those living within the sanctuaries have an access. There are check posts, which allow valid visitors inside,” he said.