Goa wildlife sanctuary fire 'man-made', says forest minister

Panaji: The forest fire raging in the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa for the past five days was assessed by the Indian Navy on helicopters. State Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane said it appears to be a "man-made incident".

He was also part of the aerial survey and Navy choppers conducted seven to eight sorties on Wednesday.

"We have taken aid from the Defence ministry for in-principle approval of additional helicopters. It appears prima facie to be a man-made incident. A detailed inquiry as per the discussion with the chief minister last night has been ordered. The people responsible for this will be taken to task and suspended. In addition, I have given stern instructions that anybody found entering the wildlife sanctuary or putting a fire will be arrested under the Forest Act," he tweeted.

He told the media that his department will regulate the entry of people into the forest areas due to the multiple fire incidents. "People indulging in mischief inside the sanctuary will face action under the Forest Act."

He added that the Defence Ministry has granted permission for the use of Indian Air Force choppers for dousing the fires. "The state Fire and Emergency Services and Forest Department teams have so far failed to control the fires which are raging in multiple locations," said officials.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday held a meeting of the State Disaster Management Authority to discuss bringing the fire under control. He said there was a possibility that some people started the fire as part of the cultivation of cashew plantations inside the sanctuary. "If any forest guard is found to have failed in his duty, he would be immediately suspended."