Goa identifies 6.72 cr square metres of land as eco-sensitive zones

The Goa Forest Department has identified 6.72 crore square metres of land along the banks of the Mandovi and Zuari rivers as ecologically sensitive, initiating steps toward regulatory protection of these areas, according to an official communication.

The exercise was carried out following directions from Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane, officials confirmed. In a letter issued by the Office of the Deputy Conservator of Forests, the department said it had completed the identification and delineation of environmentally vulnerable stretches along the State’s two major rivers.

The total mapped area spans 6,729.54 hectares - equivalent to approximately 6.72 crore square metres -covering zones considered critical for ecological balance.

The Forest Department has formally written to the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department, urging it to take action under existing planning and environmental regulations to safeguard these riverbank areas from degradation and unregulated development.

The communication noted that detailed maps of the identified zones have been shared to facilitate further review and implementation of protective measures.

Officials said the initiative, undertaken under Rane’s directive, is aimed at ensuring the long-term conservation of river ecosystems and maintaining environmental stability along the Mandovi and Zuari. The directive has been issued with the approval of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Panaji.