A Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has recommended that Goa notify a Tiger Reserve in a phased manner, reigniting debate over wildlife conservation and community rights in the Western Ghats. The proposal follows longstanding petitions demanding statutory protection for the Mhadei region, known for its environmental significance and biodiversity.
The recommendation came after the Supreme Court assigned the CEC to examine the matter following Goa’s challenge to a July 2023 High Court order directing the notification of a Tiger Reserve across around 750 square kilometers of the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and surrounding areas.
Two-Phase Plan Proposed for Tiger Reserve Implementation
The CEC proposed that 468.6 sq km of Cotigao and Netravali Wildlife Sanctuaries, which are contiguous with Karnataka’s Kali Tiger Reserve, should be designated as the core area in the first phase. Additionally, Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary (64.9 sq km) and Bhagwan Mahavir National Park (107 sq km) would form the buffer zone.
The panel recommended excluding regions with high human settlement density—such as parts of Mhadei and Bhagwan Mahavir sanctuaries—during the initial phase to prevent conflict. These areas may be examined in a second phase once community support is secured.
Government Opposes Proposal, Citing Human Impact and Tiger Absence
The Goa government presented objections, emphasizing that nearly 1,00,000 residents live in the proposed reserve areas, many for over five decades, and would be unwilling to relocate. Officials insisted that Goa has no resident tiger population, stating that big cats only transit between Maharashtra and Karnataka.
The government argued that relocating communities would be socially disruptive and economically damaging. It also stressed that conservation efforts must avoid forced displacement.
Petitioners Dispute Claims on Tiger Population
Environmental group Goa Foundation, the lead petitioner, contested the government’s position, arguing that tiger presence is recorded and ecosystem protection is essential. The demand for a Tiger Reserve strengthened after the death of four tigers and three cubs in 2019, a case linked to poisoning.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has previously recommended tiger conservation measures in Goa in 2011, 2016, and 2020.
Committee Stresses Community Engagement and Transparency
The CEC acknowledged public apprehension regarding land acquisition and displacement, clarifying that declaration of a Tiger Reserve does not require mandatory village relocation from buffer zones nor automatic private land acquisition. It called for structured awareness programmes and livelihood-security policies to gain public cooperation.
The committee recommended initiating the notification process within three months and preparing a Tiger Conservation Plan under Section 38V of the Wildlife Protection Act, addressing ecological connectivity, habitat improvement, mining regulation, and prey base enhancement.
What Lies Ahead
The Supreme Court is expected to review the findings in the upcoming hearing. The decision may set a critical precedent on balancing environmental conservation with community rights in ecologically fragile regions.
If approved, the Tiger Reserve could become part of a larger Kali–Goa conservation landscape, strengthening biodiversity in the Western Ghats. Conversely, strong opposition from local populations may shape the future implementation strategy.