The Goa government is preparing to finalize a comprehensive report on private forest areas by May 30, 2023, according to Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane. This report is crucial as it will be submitted to the National Green Tribunal, which is currently overseeing a case regarding the demarcation of these protected lands. Rane emphasized the need for a thorough assessment of private forests, as many landowners have reportedly faced injustices due to inaccuracies in previous demarcation reports. To ensure transparency, a committee of forest department officials has been established to prepare the final report, replacing the interim version currently in use. The minister has instructed the committee to publish survey numbers in newspapers and hold hearings for individuals whose lands are marked as private forests. Rane assured that no new survey numbers would be added; only existing areas will be evaluated to determine their status as private forests.