Source: TH
Subject: Mapping
Context: A Supreme Court–appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has recommended creating a tiger reserve in Goa, but in phases, to reduce impact on local communities.
About SC Panel Suggests Creation of a Goa Tiger Reserve:
What It Is?
- A proposal by the Supreme Court’s Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to declare a Goa Tiger Reserve in a phased, community-sensitive manner, starting with areas that have very low human presence and strong ecological connectivity.
The Issue:
- The Bombay High Court (Goa bench) ordered the State in 2023 to notify a tiger reserve.
- The Goa government objected, arguing that tigers seen in Goa were only “transient”, not resident.
- The Supreme Court referred the matter to the CEC for an independent assessment.
Wildlife Sanctuaries & National Parks Involved:
- To be included in Phase 1:
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- Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary – Core Area
- Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary – Core Area
- Bhagwan Mahavir National Park – Buffer Area
- Northern part of Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary – Buffer Area
- Considered for Phase 2 (later):
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- Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary
Why a Tiger Reserve Is Needed in Goa?
- These Goa forests are directly connected to the Kali Tiger Reserve (Karnataka), which has a strong, breeding tiger population.
- Connectivity allows natural movement, genetic flow, and recovery of tiger numbers in Goa.
- The region forms part of the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot.
- Tiger presence (though low) is scientifically documented, and protection is needed to maintain the landscape corridor
Significance of the Proposed Goa Tiger Reserve:
- Landscape-level conservation: Combined with Kali Tiger Reserve, it creates a 1,814 sq. km protected tiger landscape.
- Minimal displacement: Phase 1 focuses on areas with very few households, reducing conflict and community stress.
- Tiger recovery: Ensures safe corridors for tigers moving between Karnataka and Goa.
