Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: The State government today admitted before the High Court of Bombay at Goa its failure to notify the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary as Tiger reserve but informs about various steps initiated to preserve wildlife.
Advocate General Devidas Pangam told the High Court that various steps initiated to preserve wildlife.
AG also submitted that Supreme Court of India is due to hear the Special Leave Petition (SLP) on November 7 or 8 and that the application of extension of time has been filed in the HC itself.
The High Court has directed the Goa government to file reply and has adjourned hearing for November 6.
The High Court had on July 24 passed an order directing the State to declare Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary as tiger reserve within three month. The State on October 20, filed an application before the Court seeking more time to implement the order, pending special leave petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court.
The petitioner today pointed out that the government has not taken any steps to notify Tiger Reserve till date. The Court has listed the matter for hearing on Wednesday, November 1.
The State government is of the clear view that with restrictions, par with those for Tiger Reserve already in force across wildlife sanctuaries, there is no need for an immediate notification to declare Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary as tiger reserve.
The High Court had also directed the State to prepare a tiger conservation plan as per the Wildlife Protection Act and submit it to the NTCA within three month.
Forest Minister and Valpoi MLA Vishwajit Rane had staunchly opposed the setting up of a tiger reserve in the State and had earlier stated that the State government would be challenging the order of the High Court in the Supreme Court.
