Team Herald
PANJIM: The government is actively working to reduce the backlog of forest settlement rights cases in the State, with State-level executive committee meetings now being held more frequently.
Speaking to O Heraldo, a senior government official stated, “We are very serious about reducing the number of pending cases. State-level executive committee meetings are now being held frequently, unlike before.”
The State-level executive committee is chaired by the Chief Secretary and includes the Revenue Secretary, Panchayat Secretary, Forest Secretary, Collectors of both districts, and Block Development Officers (BDOs) from all tribal talukas.
According to the official, the committee's next meeting is scheduled for next week.
Last year, the High Court of Bombay at Goa directed the State government to determine and settle the rights and claims of Scheduled Tribes (STs) and other forest dwellers as per the law within 12 months. This directive was part of the Court’s order dated 24th July 2023 concerning the notification of a Tiger Reserve.