Meet debates on declaring Salim Ali bird sanctuary as CWH
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, MARCH 2
In the backdrop of opposition from the villagers, environmentalist and scientist Prof Manoj Borkar, at a meeting held on Sunday, explained to them the merits and de-merits of the Salim Ali bird sanctuary being declared as Critical Wildlife Habitat (CWH).
The lecture was held on Sunday at Chorao, which was attended by villagers who raised several questions on the issue.
Prof Borkar said that once the sanctuary is declared as CWH, the Forest Department will create several facilities here to increase its status. “It will also add up to the tourist arrivals translating it into an economic boom in this area giving employment opportunities to locals,” he said.
“The locals will not be affected with the special status granted to the sanctuary. The current situation will remain the same. The special status granted is not on the basis political or emotional motivation but on scientific observations,” Prof Borkar said.
Prof Boarkar, who is also the member of State level expert committee, informed the villagers that the special status does not extend to the entire island but it will cover only 1.7 sq km area which is been marked as sanctuary.
He said that locals have the right to raise queries before the forest department on any issues, if they have about CWH.
Chorao residents have expressed their reservation on declaring Dr Salim Ali bird sanctuary as CWH claiming that the forest department has not taken them into confidence.