The Goa Foundation has submitted a formal representation to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, expressing serious concern over the Goa government’s continued support for ecologically destructive projects inside protected wildlife areas. These include Bhagwan Mahaveer National Park, Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary—areas long considered vital for biodiversity conservation in the Western Ghats.
Our letter highlights multiple ongoing or proposed activities that directly violate the spirit and letter of India’s wildlife protection laws:
- Mineral Ore Operations in Kalay (Bhagwan Mahaveer WLS): The Goa government is attempting to permit loading and unloading of mineral ore—sourced from Karnataka—inside a protected sanctuary. This activity, previously stayed by the High Court due to its ecological consequences, continues to be pushed through the State Board for Wildlife.
- Luxury Tourism Project in Surla (Mhadei WLS): An k8 crore resort is planned within the core zone of the proposed Tiger Reserve, despite the area’s role as habitat för tigers, bison, and sloth bears. The project proposes fencing off the resort with electric wires to “protect tourists” by shocking wildlife—a cruel and shocking breach of sanctuary regulations.
- Proposed Resort in Collem (Bhagwan Mahaveer WLS): Another tourism project is reportedly in early stages, despite being located within ecologically sensitive forest terrain.
- Fresh Railway Double Tracking Proposal: A fresh, more expensive ElA has been manufactured to support the railway track doubling proposal through the Bhagwan Mahaveer National Park and the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary. This is after the Supreme Court cancelled the earlier approval granted for the project by the National Board for Wildlife on the grounds of staggering damage to the wildlife habitat.
These projects contravene the National Wildlife Action Plan (2017—2031) of the National Board for Wildlife, chaired by the Prime Minister himself.
The High Court has also directed the Goa government to notify a Tiger Reserve based on expert recommendations from the National Tiger Conservation Authority, underscoring the conservation value of these forests.
We have urged the Prime Minister to call for all related files and ensure that Goa’s approach aligns with national and legal commitments to wildlife protection. The sanctity of India’s protected areas cannot be sacrificed for short-term commercial interests.
Dr Claude Alvares