Two crucial issues faced by Goa are still in limbo thanks to a lackadaisical approach by the state government as environmentalists strongly demand that notifying Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary as Tiger Reserve will help protect River Mhadei as neighbouring Karnataka is desperately trying to divert its waters. Here is what environmentalists say.
The Tiger Reserve case is still not showing a date for the hearing of the matter. We have not been provided with any copy of any affidavit filed by the respondents, including the NTCA. We are now aware of the next date of hearing in the Mhadei matter since Nirmala Sawant's group (Mhadei Bachao Abhiyan) is keep- ing track of the matter. However, the media has reported that the NTCA has deferred consideration of proposals related to the Kalasa-Bhandura project after the file was sent to it by the National Board of Wildlife, on the grounds that the matter is pending before the Apex Court. We believe that so long as the judgment of the High Court of Bombay at Goa is standing, there cannot be any legitimacy to any project in the areas related to the project tiger reserve proposals, which would include the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary. The issue of the order of the Goa Chief Wildlife Warden banning any diversion of the water entering the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, to the best of our knowledge, is still not adjudicated
- Claude Alvares, Director of Goa Foundation
When the matter comes up for hearing before the Supreme Court on August 5 this year, Goa's lawyers should ensure that it reaches a logical conclusion and that Goa prevails in the Mhadei river case. There should be an inspection of the site in Karnataka by the Goa government officials to ascertain the exact situation. In 2017, Karnataka had given an undertaking in the Supreme Court that there is no construction and there shall be no construction in the future. From this perspective, the inspection of the site is crucial. If construction has indeed commenced, it would constitute contempt of the court order passed by Justices Madan Lokur and Deepak Gupta. If any construction is found, there will be serious consequences. This order is the only obstacle hindering Karnataka, and they will not receive environmental clearance on behalf of the Union of India. Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar had clearly stated that there was a blatant violation of environmental regulations, and the Union government had not granted any permission. Even the Central Empowered Committee, headed by former Chief Secretary of Goa, Jayakrishnan, had unequivocally stated that there is a complete violation of environmental laws. Karnataka had cut off the hills and felled several trees without permission
- Adv Bhavani Shankar Gadnis, Counsel, Mhadei Bachao Abhiyan
The Karnataka government has submitted its plan for the Kalsa-Bhandura dam to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF&CC), and their proposal has received technical approval. However, the MoEF&CC has equested the Karnataka government to submit its plan for rehabilitating the people who will be displaced due to the project. Despite this requirement, the Karnataka government is proceeding with the work. The process is ongoing."
- Adv Hrudaynath Shirodkar, convenor, Save Mhadei Save Goa From
The Tiger Reserve must be established. Not only should Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary be declared a Tiger Reserve, but also all wildlife sanctuaries such as Mhadei, Netravali, Cotigao, and Bhagwan Mahaveer should be included because tigers roam in these areas. Additionally, the headland from Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary to Cabo-de-Rama and the Karmal Ghat should also be incorporated into the Tiger Reserve as tigers are present in these regions as well.”
- Abhijit Prabhudesai, Environmentalist
We demanded that Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary be declared a Tiger Reserve. However, the matter has gone to court, and we are awaiting the Supreme Court's order. Our agitation continues. The government must notify the Tiger Reserve because Sattari taluka does not represent the entirety of Goa. Only two Assembly constituencies fall under Sattari, while 38 Assembly constituencies rely on Mhadei. Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane aims to convert Goa into a concrete forest, but we will take to the streets and fight. The government is simply wasting taxpayers' money. Notifying the Tiger Reserve will only strengthen Goa's case to protect the Mhadei River. Union Minister Shripad Naik had promised to resign if the Tiger Reserve is not declared. Why has he not resigned yet?
- Rajan Ghate, Convenor, Save Tiger Save Mhadei Front
