PANJIM/MARGAO: Environmentalists have reacted strongly to Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane’s comments dismissing the possibility of Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary being declared a Tiger Reserve.
Green activists alleged that Rane’s move not to declare Mhadei wildlife sanctuary a tiger reserve is only to facilitate unauthorised projects in the name of hinterland tourism, in the Vagheri hill area in Sattari, which is named after tigers. Recently, a large chunk of dense forest area in the hilly region had been cleared for an unapproved project.
Environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar explained that the contiguous forests of Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra and the reserve forests and wildlife sanctuary of Radhanagari in Karnataka, Chandoli national park and the reserve forests of Purna and Dodamarg in Maharashtra have been named as Tiger Conservation Units (TCU). He said that at present there are six tigers – three each in Mhadei and Mollem wild life sanctuaries.
“Despite all evidence that Goa is home for tigers, successive governments have made no efforts to protect these wild animals. The statement by the Forest Minister is a sheer sign of ignorance on the entire issue,” Kerkar said, adding, “If you cannot declare a tiger reserve, steps needs to be taken to protect the animal and ensure that humans do not interfere in their habitat or else we will have to face the consequences.”
The Amche Mollem Group that is fighting the three linear projects also weighed in. “What is concerning is that the minister for forests cannot see the tremendous value of Goa’s protected areas for the long-term conservation of the tiger. These forests have been identified by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) as one of 32 important tiger corridors in India, making their protection a priority,” the group said.
Conservationist Rupa Kirloskar said, “It appears that the ministers of this government are getting increasingly emboldened with the comments they are making, especially when it comes to issues that a large section of the public are concerned about. There is a sense of arrogance from ministers. We need to hear reasonable ideas as these are big decisions. This latest tiger comment is one such statement. It’s not like the tigers know that they are ‘outsiders’ and are not invited or cannot enter. But let’s snap our fingers and call them non-residents. Tomorrow they will issue an order to confirm this.”
Educationist and columnist, Prabhakar Timble said, “There is no use of Vishwajit Rane boasting about his wildlife photography when he is showing at the same time ‘zero’ understanding of wildlife. It is a stupid coinage of ‘non-resident tiger’. I feel sorry for Goa. No life is safe under such mind-sets of ministers. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, stop this madness. This (statement) smacks of either complete ignorance or arrogance flowing from votes in the two constituencies of Poriem and Valpoi. Don’t opine on wildlife based on election votes.”
Agreeing, advocate Cleofato Almeida Coutinho said, “The statement is disgraceful enough for any Chief Minister to strip him of the forest portfolio. The forest minister is the custodian of our forests but it appears he has some other interests in the exploitation of forests. I am shocked at the silence of the opposition. When it comes to the Ranes the opposition is generally soft. As Forest Minister it is his bounden duty to protect forests and wildlife. Instead of that his gumption to say what he said shows how little he cares for forest cover, its preservation, forest habitat and wildlife.”
