Team Herald
PANJIM: Heavy rain and the recent floods in the State have left a trail of destruction in the forest areas, destroying the habitats of the wild animals.
Coupled with mudslides and gusty winds, the rains have adversely affected the forest cover in the areas of Bicholim, Pernem, Tivim, Sanguem amongst others.
The State Forest department is currently in the process of conducting site inspections to assess the actual damage and loss suffered in the forest. Once situation normalises, the department will take up plantation using Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds, after obtaining the approval from the government.
Speaking to Herald, Deputy Conservator of Forest (planning and statistics) A Jabestin said there had been large- scale destruction of forest cover, especially in North Goa, with huge trees being uprooted. “The habitats of wild animals are affected,” he said.
Jabestin said that the department is currently in process of quantifying the exact loss in terms of the financial implication as well how it affected trees, vegetation, animals, etc. “We would be able to give clear picture once the report is ready,” officer said.
Sources in the department informed that several check-dams, which were constructed as part of the plan to revive water conservation in sections in the forest areas have been damaged. These had been constructed to reduce the runoff water and to increase the ground water table.
“The total number of trees that are damaged or washed away would be replaced with new ones. The effect is more in Northern belt,” sources said.
The total forest cover of the State is 2,229 sq kms, which is 60.21 per cent of the total geographical area. The State has 538 sq kms very dense forest, 576 sq kms moderately dense forest and 1,115 sq kms under open forest.
