Goa, June 10 -- Town and Country Planning (TCP) Minister Vishwajit Rane has announced that the TCP Board has resolved to protect all private forest and wildlife sanctuary areas in Goa, based on recommendations and communications received from the Forest Department.

Speaking on the decision, Rane said that 554 survey numbers belonging to Zuari, which had earlier been removed from the private forest list, will continue to enjoy protected status. He noted that relevant evidence has already been submitted before the Supreme Court and that a judicial stay on the removal of private forests remains in force.

The minister stated that the State Government, the Forest Department and the Town and Country Planning Department have a shared responsib...