Goa Government Institutes Formal System for Scientific Wildlife Carcass Management
The Government of Goa has implemented a comprehensive, structured mechanism to guarantee that carcasses of wild animals are handled and disposed of according to rigorous scientific standards. This significant initiative aims to address previous inconsistencies and establish a uniform protocol across the state.
Dedicated Committee Formed to Oversee Procedures
The state's forest department has officially constituted a specialized committee tasked with supervising the disposal of wild animal carcasses. This committee will operate in strict adherence to scientific protocols established by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The move marks a shift from an ad-hoc approach to a systematic, regulated process.
Chief Wildlife Warden and Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Ramesh Kumar, explained that the prior lack of a standardized system often resulted in reliance on individual, case-by-case decisions. "Animals discovered deceased in forest areas or those killed in accidents cannot be left unattended," Kumar emphasized. "This is particularly critical for large animals or species that are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act. Proper disposal is essential for ecological health and legal compliance."
Documentation to Curb Illegal Wildlife Trade
A key component of the new protocol involves meticulous documentation of specific parts from deceased wild animals. This includes, but is not limited to, elephant tusks, porcupine quills, leopard skin, peacock feathers, and snake fangs. Such documentation is mandated to prevent these items from entering illegal trade networks, thereby strengthening wildlife conservation efforts and law enforcement.
Divisional-Level Implementation and Jurisdiction
The newly established committee will function at the divisional level, based on the location where the animal carcass is found. The Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) of the relevant division will serve as the committee chairman. This structure ensures jurisdiction-specific oversight and efficient operations across North Goa, South Goa, and the Kushawati region.
Legal Framework and Government Property Protocol
According to the Wild Life (Disposal of Wild Animal Article) Rules, 2023, any wild animal article, trophy, uncured trophy, or meat derived from a wild animal is considered property of either the state government or the central government. The Chief Wildlife Warden, or an officer duly authorized in writing by the respective government, holds the authority to order the incineration of such government property. Crucially, this incineration process must be conducted in the presence of the constituted committee, ensuring transparency and adherence to the prescribed scientific methods.
This formalized system represents a proactive step by the Goa government towards enhanced wildlife management, environmental protection, and the prevention of illicit activities related to wildlife products.
