Motorcycle-borne guards to patrol forests

Motorcycle-borne guards to patrol forests
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, SEPT 17
Forest-related crimes will now come under strict vigilance, as motorcycle-borne guards will now patrol the forest areas to avert any untoward incidents. Forest Minister Philip Neri Rodrigues in a formal ceremony today morning distributed 30 motorcycles to guards.
“The guards will no more have to walk into thick forest areas. The motorcycles are distributed to various guards, as it will help them carry out enhanced work,” Rodrigues told reporters.
Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Dr Shashi Kumar said that the two-wheelers will be put into operation shortly. “This will help to carry out improved patrolling along the wildlife sanctuaries and protected forest areas,” he said.
The motorcycles are procured under Compensatory Afforestration Fund Management and Planning Authority funds. For this, the Goa government received Rs 12.2 crore as first instalment.
Dr Kumar further said that the department would purchase vehicles, mobile phone connections and research and boundary clearance survey, under its annual plan.  The department is also anticipating purchasing wireless system to connect all wildlife sanctuaries in Goa.
To a question on Keri Tiger killing trial at Valpoi, the chief conservator said that the first trial was heard on September 7. Ironically, the trial begins, nearly five months after an indictment against five accused was filed in the Judicial Magistrate First Class court on April 21.
Suryakant Majik, a home guard and his father Ganesh Majik, Naguesh Majik, Ankush Majik and Bhiva Gawas have been indicted for killing the protected species. The next date for hearing is on month-end.