PORVORIM: The State government on Friday refused to establish a high-level inquiry commission, led by a retired High Court Judge, to investigate the cause of the past summer’s forest fires in the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and other areas. The Opposition had raised concerns about the government’s failure to investigate the “conspiracy angle” and ascertain the exact cause of the wildfires.
Leader of Opposition, Yuri Alemao, had presented a private member resolution recommending the formation of a High-Level Inquiry Commission, comprising experts from various fields, to investigate the fires in the Sanctuary, and other eco sensitive zones, hills, and forest areas. Alemao emphasised that the Commission should have
the mandate to explore potential conspiracies and conduct a scientific study to determine the causes of the devastating fires.
However, Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane rejected the proposal, stating that the preliminary report findings were already in the public domain. He stated that further investigation through a retired High Court Judge was unnecessary at this point, as the government was addressing the issue with experts’ assistance to prevent future occurrences.
Supporting the resolution, GFP MLA Vijai Sardesai highlighted contradictions in the various claims and statements made by the Minister and Forest Department. He stressed the importance of a high-level inquiry commission with experts to impartially investigate and produce a policy document with recommendations for future environmental protection. Sardesai noted that the Commission’s findings would shed light on the impact of forest fires on local ecology, wildlife, and the economy in the long run, as well as expose any potential conspiracies.
Despite the Opposition’s stance, Rane remained firm on his decision, assuring that the government would take necessary measures
to avoid future occurrences and collaborate with
registered NGOs to preserve and protect forests, wildlife, and ecology.
In addition, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant promised to equip the Forest Department with new disaster management equipment to tackle similar incidents effectively in the future.
