Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Supreme Court has postponed the hearing in the matter concerning the proposed Tiger Reserve in Goa to March 19, allowing the petitioner, Goa Foundation, two weeks to submit its affidavit.
The extension was sought by Goa Foundation to respond to the State government’s affidavit opposing the recommendation of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to notify a Tiger Reserve in Goa. The CEC had suggested declaring 468.60 square kilometres of protected forest land as a Tiger Reserve in the first phase.
The areas proposed for inclusion in the reserve comprise the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, and portions of the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park.
Senior officials at the State Secretariat confirmed that the government intends to strongly challenge the CEC’s findings. In its affidavit before the apex court, the State has argued that the committee’s recommendation is founded on a flawed interpretation of law, lacks adequate scientific data, and overlooks Goa’s authority to determine conservation strategies suited to its specific ecological and social landscape.
The government has further contended that mandating the declaration of a Tiger Reserve in the State would be unnecessary and may lead to adverse consequences. It warned of possible resentment among local communities due to displacement concerns and an escalation in human–wildlife conflict.
In its submission, the State maintained that the CEC report should not be relied upon by the court, asserting that it fails to provide sound scientific, legal, or ecological reasoning. The affidavit describes the report as vague and indicative of insufficient consideration of the complexities involved.
Additionally, the State has alleged that the CEC exceeded the mandate granted by the Supreme Court in its September 8, 2025 order. According to the government, the committee was tasked with a limited and objective review but went beyond its jurisdiction by effectively recommending notification of a Tiger Reserve — a step the State claims was outside the committee’s authority.
The matter will now come up for further hearing on March 19.
