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The department has written to the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department, urging it to initiate regulatory measures under existing planning and environmental frameworks
The move comes following directions from Goa Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane and is aimed at curbing unregulated development along these critical waterways. (File for representation)
In a significant step towards safeguarding its fragile river ecosystems, 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.
The move comes following directions from Goa Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane and is aimed at curbing unregulated development along these critical waterways.
According to an official communication issued by the Office of the Deputy Conservator of Forests, the department has completed a detailed exercise to identify and delineate environmentally vulnerable stretches along both rivers. The total mapped area spans 6,729.54 hectares, covering key zones considered crucial for ecological balance.
The department has formally written to the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department, urging it to initiate regulatory measures under existing planning and environmental frameworks. Officials stressed that immediate intervention is necessary to prevent further degradation of these sensitive areas, which play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity, preventing erosion, and supporting local livelihoods.
Detailed maps marking the identified zones have been submitted to the TCP Department for review and implementation. These maps are expected to guide future planning decisions and restrict activities that may harm the riverine ecosystem.
Sources within the department indicated that the exercise is part of a broader push to strengthen environmental governance in the state. With increasing pressure from tourism, real estate, and infrastructure projects, Goa’s riverbanks have faced growing threats in recent years.
The latest directive, approved by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests in Panaji, reflects a policy shift towards long-term conservation planning. By formally identifying ecologically sensitive zones, the government aims to create a framework that balances development with environmental sustainability.
Officials believe the move will serve as a critical tool in preserving Goa’s natural heritage, ensuring that its major rivers continue to support both ecological and economic functions without irreversible damage.
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