PANAJI: It is proposed to declare Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary and Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and the adjoining mangrove areas at Chorao as critical wildlife habitats for the purpose of Scheduled Tribe and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forests Rights) Act, 2006, says a press communiqué issued here.

The public hearing of the State Level Expert Committee (SLEC) over issue of critical wildlife habitat status to Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary will be held at the Cotigao panchayat hall, Cotigao village on September 30 at 11.30 a.m. to recognize the rights and claims of the affected villagers, if any.

All the gram sabha members of villlage panchayat of Cotigao or any other persons whose rights are being affected by declaration of such critical wildlife habitat are requested to attend the hearing along with relevant documents before the SLEC on the aforesaid date, time and venue.

Also, the public hearing of the State level Expert Committee (SLEC) over the issue of critical wildlife habitat status to Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and the adjoining mangrove areas at Chorao, which was postponed earlier is scheduled to be held at the Chodan Madel Village Panchayat Hall on September 24 at 11 a.m. to recognize the rights and claims of the affected villagers, if any.

All the gram sabha members of Village Panchayat of Chorao or any other persons whose rights are being affected by declaration of such critical wildlife habitat are requested to attend the hearing along with relevant documents before the SLEC on the aforesaid date, time and venue.