For the effective management of Eco-sensitive Zones (ESZ), the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) has directed the Goa Government to draft a comprehensive Zonal Master Plan by demarcating all settlement areas, mining and industrial activities currently underway in protected areas. The ministry has also constituted a State Level Eco-sensitive Zone Monitoring Committee headed by the Chief Secretary for effective monitoring of ESZs.
The Zonal Master Plan, to be drafted within the next two years, in consultation with the local people and concerned State departments, so as to incorporate ecological and environmental considerations, has to be integrated into the Regional Plan for the State. Also the plan would be co-terminus with the Regional Development Plan.
The Zonal Master Plan will provide for restoration of degraded areas, conservation of existing water bodies, management of catchment areas, watershed management, ground water management, soil and moisture conservation and look into the needs of the local community.
The Plan will also demarcate all the existing and proposed urban settlements, village settlements, types and kinds of forest, agriculture areas, horticultural areas, man-made heritage sites, natural heritage sites, mining leases in operation, lakes and other water bodies and recommend necessary action if required.
