Mollem Forest of Goa

The “Save Mollem” campaign in Goa has drawn attention from celebrities to politicians, all of whom have opposed the approval of infrastructure projects without the Molem forests’ environmental impact assessment and mitigation measures.

The background of the Mollem Forest Goa issue

• last year, three controversial projects were approved by the National Board for Wildlife (NBW), which is strongly opposed by environmental experts and environmental lovers.
• National Board for Wildlife (NBW) approved three controversial projects following is-

1. December 20l9 approved the extension of the ancient single railway line
2. acceptance of the new four-lane highway to the development of highways Goa
3. recently at the National Board for the Standing Committee of wildlife clearance for 400 kW power transmission line from Goa to Karnataka by

About Mollem Forest Goa

• Molem forest is dense evergreen and semi-evergreen forest along the Western Ghats in Goa.
• These forests provide immense wildlife diversity as well as shelter to many local human communities.
• There are over 200 species of tigers, leopards, gaurs and birds.
• In the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary of Goa, the illuminating mushroom species ‘Mycena genus- Mycena Genus’ is found. This century is also known as ‘Mollem National Park’ or ‘Mahaveer Wildlife Century’.

Know About Mollem National Park

• Mollem National Park, located western Ghats, is spread over 240 sq km. It is located near the town of Mollem on the border with Karnataka in the Sungam taluk in Goa.
• Several temples of the Kadamba dynasty are also located in the Mollem National Park. The Mormugao – Londa Railway Line passes through the dense forests of this national park.
• Mollem National Park was formerly known as the ‘Molem Game Sanctuary’. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 and renamed as Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary.
• The main area of ​​the sanctuary spread over 107 square kilometres was renamed Molem National Park in 1978.
• Several species of snakes are found in the park including the King Cobra, Hump-nosed Pit Viper, Indian Rock Python and Malabar Pit Viper.
• Many species of birds are found in Mollem National Park including Fairy Bluebird, Wagtail, Three-toed Kingfisher, Drongo, Golden Oriole, Great Indian Hornbill etc.
• Some birds found here are native to this region. Many species of butterflies are found here, including Blue Mormon, Crimson Rose, Tailed Jay, Malabar Tree Nymph, Tamil Yomen, Plain Tiger and Lime Butterfly etc.

What is National Board for Wildlife?

• The National Wildlife Board was constituted in the year 2003 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 by the Central Government.
• The Prime Minister of India is the ex-officio Chairman of this Board and the Union Minister of Environment is the ex-officio Vice Chairman.

The Functions of National Board for Wildlife?

• It is the apex body to review the matters related to wildlife, as well as to advise the Central Government in terms of approving projects of national parks and sanctuaries and its surroundings, formulating policies and measures for conservation of wildlife.
• The primary function of the National Wildlife Board is to promote the conservation and development of wildlife and forests.
• Decisions regarding changes in the boundaries of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are taken only after the approval of the National Wildlife Board.

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