Digambar Kamat Failed to Notify Mhadei Tiger Reserve : Prabhav Naik

Margao :“Project Tiger, launched on 1st April 1973 under then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, was a visionary step to protect India’s national animal. On 28th June 2011, Union Environment & Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh urged the declaration of Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary as a Tiger Reserve, but then Goa CM Digambar Kamat failed to act,” charged Madganvcho Awaaz & Youth Leader Prabhav Naik.

Highlighting a copy of the letter addressed to Digambar Kamat by then Union Minister Jairam Ramesh, Prabhav Naik stated that notifying Mhadei as a Tiger Reserve would have significantly strengthened Goa’s position in resisting attempts by Karnataka to divert Mhadei river water.

At a time when inter-state disputes over Mhadei waters have intensified, this missed opportunity has had far-reaching consequences. Stronger protection under Project Tiger could have acted as a legal and environmental shield, safeguarding Goa’s lifeline river, he added.

Prabhav Naik further stated, “The declaration of Mhadei as a Tiger Reserve would have not only strengthened wildlife protection but also promoted eco-tourism and sustainable development opportunities for local communities.”

Madganvcho Awaaz strongly condemned this lapse and has demanded a clear explanation from current PWD Minister Digambar Kamat on his failure to act at a crucial time. He also questioned whether his silence was a deliberate decision to safeguard his Chief Minister’s chair, stating that the people of Goa deserve answers on this critical issue.