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Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary

IAS Current Affairs

Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary
Source: PIndian Express
GS II: Environment

Overview

  1. News in Brief
  2. About Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary
Why in News ?

Recently the Goa bench of the Bombay High Court has issued a directive to the Goa government to notify the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and its surrounding areas as a tiger reserve under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 within three months from 24th July 2023.

News in Brief

  • Directed the state government to take all necessary measures to develop a tiger conservation strategy.
  • Also to submit it to the NTCA within three months of announcing the reserve.
  • The court further determine and resolve the rights and claims of Scheduled Tribes and other forest dwellers in accordance with the law
  • This should be preferably within 12 months from today.

Background

  • An environmental watchdog organisation called Goa Foundation had filed a PIL with the court, asking for instructions on how to designate Mhadei Sanctuary and other locations as tiger reserves.
  • The court ordered the state to establish anti-poaching camps in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries within six months.
  • The petitioner also requested taking this action.

About Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary

Location : 

  • Located in the Northern part of Goa, Sanguem taluka, near Valpoi town.
  • Region covering an area of about 750 km2.
  • It is a a varied terrain with some evergreen species and dense, damp deciduous woods.
  • It has region of waterfalls, including Vazra Sakla Falls and Virdi Falls.
  • The three highest peaks in Goa are located in the region. They are
    1. Sonsogod (1027 m)
    2. Talavche Sada (812 m)
    3. Vageri (725 m).

Importance

  • Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary known for its nesting grounds of critically endangered Long-billed vultures near Vazra Falls.
  • The region is crucial for tiger conservation in Goa.
  • Mhadei River originates in Karnataka and passes through the sanctuary.

What are the threat for habitat in the Sanctuary?

  • Illegal excessive motor traffic is one threat to the Mhedai Wildlife Sanctuary’s distinctive environment and biodiversity.
  • The region is having illegal mining activity. 
  • Poaching of wild animal especially Tiger.
  • Activities in the projects like Malaprabha Reservoir Project, Kalasa-Banduri Nala project. 

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