PANJIM: Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane on Monday said that the government is exploring the possibility of involving external agencies in managing the forest properties including wildlife sanctuaries and zoo.
After conducting a review meeting with the Forest Department officials, Rane said that instructions have been given to the department to expedite formulation of a comprehensive policy and management plan to ensure effective implementation of Wildlife Management Plan.
“During the meeting, we explored the possibility of involving external agencies in managing properties under the Forest Department, such as the Mollem Wildlife Sanctuary, Bondla Zoo, and Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. This approach will facilitate proper management and enable us to deliver high-quality services,” the Minister said.
Rane said that the research, training, and extension activities are crucial for the scientific management of forests and wildlife and for this purpose; priority would be to enhance in-house capacity building.
Goa has five wildlife sanctuaries.Rane had said that govt plans to introduce jungle safari and eco-trails to attract more tourists to wildlife tourism.
“We need to create the required ecosystem for animals to have a jungle safari park. We need to develop food chain for the animals,” he had said.
“Our sanctuaries required immediate care and promotion,” he had said and added that corporate funding needs to be introduce to develop forest sector for tourism, and in the first phase it will be for Bondla Zoo.
