SC Panel Suggests Creation of a Goa Tiger Reserve
Kartavya Desk Staff
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:
• 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
• 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):
• Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary
• 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.