The memories are still fresh of a case of poisoning, four tigers, including two cubs, who were found dead in the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary between January 5-8, last year. The deaths not only shocked Goa, but the Centre was also taken aback. Though a probe was ordered and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) members recommended that State takes immediate steps to declare the wildlife as Tiger Reserve, everything remained on paper.
The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change had constituted a two-member probe team. The team of Rajendra Garawad, AIG, NTCA, RO Bengaluru, and the Regional Deputy Director (western region, Mumbai) had submitted their report with findings and recommendation.
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HERALD recalls the recommendation made by the probe committee (Only major once with regards to tiger protection)
n Declaration of Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary as Tiger Reserve: In view of the unfortunate death of tigers, the State government may take immediate steps for enhancing the legal status of ‘Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary’ to that of a tiger reserve. Declaring the sanctuary as Tiger Reserve will provide much needed access to technical, financial and monitoring support from NTCA for safeguarding the conservation values of the sanctuary.
n It will also empower the local communities residing inside the sanctuary by giving access to development opportunities as they will be able to utilise the voluntary resettlement scheme for joining the mainstream society.
n Further, after conducting a scientific assessment of remaining protected areas of the state by Wildlife Institute of India, the state government may consider bringing the potential tiger habitat of Goa within tiger reserve network of Western Ghats.
n State level monitoring of tigers: A full-fledged camera trap based study needs to be undertaken preferably by Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun and the financial assistance for the monitoring program by NTCA.
n Setting up of Anti-poaching Camps: While the process of tiger reserve declaration is on Anti-Poaching Camps should be set up at strategic locations inside all protected areas of Goa and intensive patrolling regime should be put in place under the direct supervision of CWLW, Goa (Chief Wildlife Warden)
n Delineation of sanctuary boundary: Steps may be taken for delineation of sanctuary boundary using technological Settlement of right of villagers residing inside WLS
n Constituting State level Task Force: The State government may consider setting up a committee under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary for conducting detailed inquiry into the management of Protected Areas of Goa and also that of Wildlife Wing for identifying strengths, weaknesses and to suggest organisational changes for better management of protected areas of the State.
