Panaji: Goa govt has put in place a formal, structured mechanism to ensure that carcasses of wild animals are handled and disposed of scientifically.The forest department has constituted a dedicated committee to oversee the disposal of wild animal carcasses in accordance with scientific protocols laid down by Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change.Chief wildlife warden and additional principal chief conservator of forests Ramesh Kumar told TOI that the absence of a standardised system earlier often meant reliance on case-by-case decisions. “Animals found dead in forests or killed in accidents cannot be left unattended, especially in cases involving large animals or species protected under the wildlife act,” he said.In addition, he said, components of each dead wild animal such as elephant tusks, porcupine quills, leopard skin, peacock feathers, snake fangs, etc. will require documentation to avoid illegal trade.The newly constituted committee will act at the divisional level, depending on where the animal is found. The deputy conservator of forests (DCF) of the concerned division will serve as chairman, ensuring jurisdiction-specific functions in North Goa, South Goa and Kushawati.According to the Wild Life Disposal of Wild Animal Article Rules, 2023, any wild animal article, trophy or uncured trophy or meat derived from any wild animal is a state govt or central govt property. The chief wild life warden or an officer authorised, in writing, by central govt or state govt, as the case may be, may by order direct the incineration of such govt property, and the incineration shall be conducted in the presence of the committee.
