In a major development that could reshape Goa’s conservation land scape, the Central Empowered Commit tee (CEC) has recom mended the creation of a Tiger Reserve in Goa in two phases, effectively overturn ing the State govern ment’s consistent re fusal to notify one. The committee’s detailed report, submitted to the Su preme Court, lays out a structured plan for a transbound ary tiger habitat integrated with Karnataka’s Kali Tiger Reserve, while addressing fears of displacement and stat utory land acquisition. Under Phase I, the CEC has proposed that – Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary (211.05 sq km) and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary (85.65 sq km) – be jointly designated as the core areas of Goa’s first Tiger Reserve. Together, these 296.7 sq km form a contiguous tiger landscape that aligns seam lessly with the core zone of Karnataka’s Kali Tiger Reserve, strengthening one of the Western Ghats’ most critical wild life corridors. This connectivity, the committee noted, is vital for the long-term survival of tigers and other apex species, given the region’s proven movement patterns and ecological con tinuity. The CEC further recommends that – BhagwanMahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary–North (64.9 sq km) and BhagwanMa haveer National Park (107 sq km) – be declared buffer zones, expanding the conservation landscape by another 171.9 sq km. The buffer designation is intended to facili tate coexistence, regulate human activities, and protect surrounding forest tracts from mining, infrastructure ex pansion, and other ecological pressures. In a significant shift from earlier debates, the CEC has not included the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary in either core or buffer areas at this stage. This position, conservationists say, is strategically framed. “Mhadei will continue to be governed under the stricter regulations applicable to Wildlife Sanctuaries, even without tiger reserve notification,” Environmental group Goa Foundation observed. “The CEC’s recommendations reject the Goa govern ment’s wholesale refusal to declare a Tiger Reserve,” not ed Goa Foundation emphasising that the committee has adopted a more scientific, phased approach rather than endorsing the State’s objections. “Ecological Justice for Tiger was expected and we hope the Supreme Court will deliver justice once again based on the CECs recommendations. That reassures our trust in our Judiciary as we affirm our slogan ‘Mhadei tiger reserve zaiamkam’. I hope the Goa government learns to respect the law of the land,” said Fr Bolmax Pereira, Convenor, Dioce san Commission for Ecology. If accepted by the Supreme Court, Goa will be required to formulate a comprehensive Tiger Conservation Plan for the newly proposed reserve. This plan must address: Habitat connectivity and barrier-free movement between Goa and Kali Tiger Reserve; regulation of mining operations and lin ear infrastructure projects; strengthening prey base popu lations; intensified anti-poaching measures and long-term monitoring through camera traps, genetic surveys, and ad vanced tracking systems. The plan is expected to become the primary manage ment document guiding conservation policy in the region. To address widespread fears of displacement, the CEC has clarified that high-density village zones will not be in cluded in Phase I. These include: Approximately 560 house holds in the southern part of BhagwanMahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and approximately 612 households within Mha dei Wildlife Sanctuary. Their inclusion may be examined in later phases, but only after: Detailed community consultations; awareness programmes; livelihood assurance and Confidence-build ing and rehabilitation planning. The committee has directed the State government to launch sustained public-awareness campaigns, stressing that tiger reserve notifications: Do not mandate relocation from buffer areas, and do not result in automatic acquisi tion of private land. This directive aims to counter misinformation and re duce resistance from local communities. The CEC’s recommendations come as part of proceedings on a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by the Goa govern ment. The State is challenging the Bombay High Court at Goa’s July 24, 2023 order, which directed the government to notify Mhadei and surrounding areas as a Tiger Reserve and prepare a tiger conservation plan without delay. The Supreme Court had tasked the CEC with examining the issues and submitting its findings. The report will now be placed before the Bench on December 15, 2025, when the Apex Court is expected to issue final directions that could decisively shape the future of wildlife conservation in Goa.
CEC Recommends Two-Phase Tiger Reserve for Goa, Overturning State’s Opposition
