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Goa Fights Tiger Reserve: Population or Corridor?
24 Nov
Summary
- Goa government disputes permanent tiger presence, calling them transient.
- State argues against tiger reserve due to population density concerns.
- Supreme Court seeks a report on stakeholders' views on tiger habitat.
The Goa government is embroiled in a legal battle over the declaration of the Mhadei sanctuary as a tiger reserve. While arguing for water-sharing with neighboring states, Goa previously asserted a resident tiger population within its forests. However, in a separate Supreme Court case, the state now contends that tigers are transient, using the area as a corridor between Karnataka and Maharashtra.
The government's opposition to the tiger reserve stems from two main points: the required inviolate space exceeding the state's protected area, and the potential displacement of a large human population. They highlight a low camera trap count of three tigers in 2018, with no cubs, suggesting only temporary presence.
This dispute follows repeated requests since 2011 from the NTCA to designate the area a tiger reserve. The Supreme Court has tasked a Central Empowered Committee with hearing all stakeholders and submitting a report, while also halting resort approvals in the disputed region.
