Goa Tiger Reserve: SC Panel Recommends Phased Notification

A Supreme Court-empowered committee has proposed a two-stage approach for notifying a tiger reserve in Goa. The panel suggests beginning with areas adjacent to Karnataka's Kali Tiger Reserve, emphasizing the critical need for community engagement and confidence-building measures. This recommendation comes despite the Goa government's opposition, which points to the challenges of relocating approximately 100,000 residents.

The committee's report, circulated ahead of a Supreme Court hearing, recommends designating around 468.6 square kilometers of the Cotigao and Netravali Wildlife Sanctuaries as a core area. Areas with significant household populations, like parts of Bhagwan Mahavir and Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuaries, are proposed for inclusion in a second phase, contingent upon securing local support and resolving rehabilitation issues.