Digital Goa, May 6- Forest Minister Vishwajeet Rane today said that the Forest Department is considering declaring Vagheri hills as a protected forest or extending the boundary of the nearby wildlife sanctuary to include it. Speaking to the media in Panaji, Rane rubbished claims of the hill being sold off by him. He outlined several key decisions taken in department meeting. These include a survey and mapping of crocodile populations, expediting verification of 480 private forest claims, and surveys of leopard and Indian gaur populations. Additionally, the department is also considering undertaking study of forest fragmentation and the status of tiger corridors, declaring 3550 survey numbers as mangrove reserves, and conducting an audit of sawmills.
Rane also informed that the Bondla zoo will be reopened to the public in the next few days.
