Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: It’s been almost seven months since the Bench of High Court at Goa directed the State government to notify Mhadei Wildlife sanctuary as Tiger Reserve within three months but there has been no decision in this regard and the case now hangs in balance in the Supreme Court.
The State government is still non-committal on the decision and feels the order is against the interest of the State.
Goemkarponn has laid its hands on the minutes of the meeting of the State Wildlife Board, which met on November 20.
The meeting discussed the Tiger Reserve issue but made no decision.
The minutes of the meeting read, “Board was informed that, subsequent to order of Honble High Court dated 24 July, 2023, directing State Government to notify Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and other areas as Tiger Reserve within three months from the date of order.”
The Board was informed that an SIP has been filed in Hon ble Supreme Court challenging above-mentioned direction of Hon’ble High Court.
“During hearing on 25th September, 2023, Supreme Court issued notice to all Respondents. (Goa Foundation, NTCA and MoEF&CC, Govt, of India),” minutes read.
Meanwhile, it continues, since three-month period was getting over on 23rd Oct, 2023 and matter is sub-judice in Hon’ble Supreme Court, with approval of Govemment, CWLW filed a MCA in Hon ble High Court with prayer to extend time period for compliance of directions of Hon’ble High Court.
Further, Goa Foundation also filed an MCA in Hon’ble High Court with prayer to issue contempt. notice to State.
The High Court during hearing held on. 6th November, 2023 ordered that “At the joint request of Ms Norma Alvares and the Ld Advocate General, we post these applications on 11th December 2023”.
The Board directed forest department to closely follow the case in consultation with Government Advocate to safeguard the Interest of the State.
