Goan Reporter News: Clarification Over Recent Tiger Sightings, Authorities Say News Reports Are False
The Chief Wildlife Warden, Office of the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, has issued a clarification stating that the news item of recent tiger sightings in Goa appearing in several local dailies on October 29, 2024 are based on unfound facts.
The Chief Wildlife Warden stated that a video is under circulation on social media where a tigress and three cubs have been shown and it has been claimed that the tigress and the cubs have recently been photographed in the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary of Goa. The clarification further states that the matter has been examined and it has been found that the video is almost three years old and does not relate to the State of Goa.
In view of the recent newspaper report on tiger sightings in Goa, Office of the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, did a special recce and enquiry from local people of Chorla Ghat area and confirmed that no such sightings have been recorded in recent past. Therefore, both the reports (video with tigers and 3 cubs and that of, in newspaper) are found incorrect.
The Chief Wildlife Warden has appealed to the public not to share such unverified videos and avoid creating panic in the minds of the people. The media houses are advised to refrain from publishing such sensitive information especially about Schedule-I animals without gauging its serious implications.
Goan Reporter News: Agriculture Department appeals famers not to burn crop residue
Harvesting of paddy generates large volume of residues/ stubbles both on and off farm. A large portion of crop residue is burnt ‘on-farm’ primarily to clean the field for sowing the next crop. Burning crop residue causes phenomenal pollution problems in the atmosphere and huge nutritional loss and physical health deterioration to the soil.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), New Delhi has given Direction under Section 18(1)(b) of Air (Protection and Control of Pollution Act 1981 for comprehensive management of paddy straw and other agro residues.
As harvesting of paddy has already started, Directorate of Agriculture is creating awareness among the farming community tostop burning of crop residues and make appropriate use of it to avoid environmental pollution
The Directorate of Agriculture appeals to all farmers to recycle or make appropriate use of crop residues instead of burning.