PANJIM: Close to a decade after the Central government notified one-km buffer zone around the wildlife sanctuaries in Goa, the State government has finally prepared Zonal Master Plan for these ecologically sensitive areas.
The plan which is in draft stage is expected to be notified shortly. For the six wildlife sanctuaries — Mhadei, Bhagwan Mahaveer, Netravali, Cotigao, Bondla and Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Chorao – the buffer zones has been envisaged at one-km from the border of the sanctuaries.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
In 2013, with curving of the buffer zone, the Central government had directed State to prepare Zonal Master Plan with the involvement of all State departments concerned and locals.
Sources said that draft Zonal Master Plan for ecologically sensitive areas around wildlife sanctuaries in the State has been prepared and the same will be notified shortly.
Sources said that the process to draft the plan had begun in 2016. However, due to various reasons it continued to be delayed.
The plan will categorise various activities permitted, prohibited and regulated.
“The Master Plan will give a clear picture as how best to go about eco-tourism in eco-sensitive areas,” the source added.
As directed by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), the Zonal Master Plan has demarcated all the existing and proposed urban settlements, village settlements, types and kinds of forest, agriculture areas, horticultural areas, mining leases, lakes and other water bodies.
