Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: A renewed territorial disagreement is taking shape between Goa and Karnataka over a cluster of islands located off the Karwar–Bhatkal coastline, with both states moving to assert their presence in the region.
The issue has gained momentum after Karnataka carried out a detailed mapping exercise of several offshore islands and began exploring their potential for tourism development. The move has prompted a response from Goa, which is now preparing to conduct its own assessment of islands believed to fall within its limits.
Officials in Karnataka have already catalogued multiple islands, assigning them names and survey identifiers, while describing the initiative as a significant administrative step. Some of the names are derived from long-standing references used by local fishing communities.
In Goa, the state government has directed departments to verify territorial boundaries and examine the status of these islands. Authorities are also considering consulting central agencies to clarify jurisdiction and regulatory aspects before proceeding further.
Karnataka, however, has maintained that the islands lie within its territory and has indicated it will continue with its plans. At the same time, it has signalled that any external survey activity would require formal clearance.
With both sides advancing their positions, the development points to a potential escalation, adding another layer to inter-state tensions along the western coastline.
