Goa's Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane has announced that the final report on private forest areas in the state will be ready by May 30. The report will be submitted to the National Green Tribunal, where a case on the demarcation of protected lands is pending.
The report aims to provide a proper assessment of private forests, correcting errors that have led to injustices for many landowners. A committee has been formed to prepare the report, which will replace the interim one currently in place.
Minister Rane has instructed the committee to advertise survey numbers of land in newspapers, conduct hearings for affected individuals, and adhere to procedures. He has also emphasized that only existing survey numbers will be considered, and no new additions will be made.
The issue of private forest demarcation has been ongoing for years, and the minister has stressed that forest department officers are accountable for the process.
