Forest policy will preserve uniqueness of Goa: Neri
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, AUG 4
Forest Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues today said that the new forest policy will contain state specific guidelines so that the uniqueness of Goa is retained.
Replying to the cut motions tabled by the Opposition, Neri said the policy would retain uniqueness of Goa and nurture it for the benefit of future generations.
“This policy document will stand the test of time and safeguard the interest of the State,” he said adding “This document has been placed before you for soliciting your suggestions and I call upon all the stakeholders to contribute to the exercise and help in preparing the policy document.”
Neri further reiterated his stand that no forest area would be recommended for diversion till the forest policy is in place.
He said one reason why it appears that more forest land was diverted during this government was due to the fact that forest clearances of all leases expired in November 2007.
“These leases were re-diverted subsequently and it should be noted that it was not done for the first time,” he said adding “most of the leases were in operation with forest clearance even during the period, including the period of previous governments.”
He said that when these leases came up for renewal they were considered as new cases and whole area was re-diverted again.
“The actual area diverted during my period is just 211 hectares and the area allowed for felling trees is 60 hectares till date. Instead of pointing fingers we must sit together and decide how much mining is good and how much is bad for Goa,” he stated.
