New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday ordered a status quo in the Mhadei-Kotigaon region of Goa, identified by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) as a potential tiger reserve. The order halts all projects and development in the area until further decision.
Apex Court Issues Interim Protection
A bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, along with Justices K. Vinod Chandran and Atul S. Chandurkar, directed that no activity affecting the sanctuary be carried out. The Court further instructed the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to hear all stakeholders and submit its decision within six weeks.
Goa Government Challenges High Court Ruling
The case stems from a Bombay High Court order directing the state to notify Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and adjoining areas as a tiger reserve within three months. The order was passed on a plea by NGO Goa Foundation, which sought conservation measures recommended by the NTCA.
High Court’s Observations on Forest-Tiger Link
In its judgment, the High Court cited the Mahabharata: “If there is no forest, then the tiger gets killed; if there is no tiger, then the forest gets destroyed. Hence, the tiger protects the forest and the forest guards the tiger.” The court emphasized the urgent need for conservation through a symbiotic relationship between tigers and forests.
Key Directions from High Court
The Bombay High Court had earlier directed the Goa government to:
- Notify Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and surrounding areas as a tiger reserve.
- Prepare a Tiger Conservation Plan and send it to NTCA within three months.
- Seek full assistance from NTCA in the process.
- Establish anti-poaching camps with adequate forest staff.
- Ensure strict action against encroachments in protected areas.
Ecological Importance of Mhadei Sanctuary
Spread across 208 sq. km, the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary lies in northeastern Goa, adjoining Karnataka. It forms part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and harbors rich biodiversity, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and several endemic species.
Also Read: Online Gaming Ban: Supreme Court Pulls Petitions from 3 High Courts, to Rule on Validity of 2025 Act
