In a major step that could reshape Goa’s forest governance—and influence the fate of the proposed Tiger Reserve—the Supreme Court’s Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has directed the State’s Revenue Department to immediately hand over all land classified as “Forest Revenue Land” to the Forest Department. These plots are currently held not only by the Revenue Department itself but also by various government bodies and even private holders.
The directive came during CEC member Sunil Limaye’s recent visit to Goa, where he met with district collectors and senior officials to closely examine areas that function like forests but may not be officially recognised as such. Many of these lands, though privately owned, bear all the natural features of a forest—dense tree cover, rich vegetation, and ecological importance.
Rooted in the Landmark Godavarman Case
The discussions were guided by the Supreme Court’s historic Godavarman judgment, which expanded the definition of “forest” beyond ownership. Under this ruling, any land with the characteristics of a natural forest—regardless of who owns it—must be treated and protected as forest land.
A senior official present at the meeting shared that the CEC has made it clear: the Revenue Department must prioritise the transfer of all such land to the Forest Department. Authorities have also been urged to assist in the crucial, and often contentious, task of identifying and officially notifying private forest areas.
Forest Department Shares Its Progress
During the meeting, the Forest Department presented its long-standing methodology for identifying private forests and the formal process for notifying them. Officials updated the CEC that, in 2024 alone, the government had notified 45.5 sq km and 46.1 sq km of land as private forests, following orders from the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
On-Ground Visit to Cotigao Sanctuary
As part of the assessment for the Tiger Reserve proposal, Limaye also conducted a field visit to Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary. He visited Bhutpal, a village within the sanctuary whose community rights have yet to be officially recognised, and Tirwal—a settlement surrounded by the sanctuary but excluded from its notified boundaries. Both areas represent the complex overlap of human habitation and wildlife protection that the Tiger Reserve proposal must address.
Tiger Reserve Decision Progressing
Earlier, on November 12, the Supreme Court granted the CEC one more week to finalise its report on whether the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and its surrounding areas should be declared a Tiger Reserve. The committee explained that it was still awaiting key documents from the Goa government and the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
The Court has also given all stakeholders an additional three weeks to file their responses. With these timelines in motion, the matter is expected to come up again after four weeks, bringing Goa one step closer to a crucial decision that could shape the future of its forests—and its wildlife—for generations.
