Supreme Court order
Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and Supreme Court Intervention: The Supreme Court of India recently stayed projects inside Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary. The decision comes at a time when the sanctuary is also being considered for declaration as a tiger reserve. This move protects fragile ecosystems from developmental threats.
Location and geography
The sanctuary is located in North Goa along the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It shares boundaries with Karnataka and Maharashtra. The Mahadei (Mondovi) River flows through the region, providing lifeline support to both flora and fauna.
Static GK fact: The Western Ghats are one of the world’s eight “hottest hotspots” of biological diversity.
Legal protection
The sanctuary was officially declared in 1999 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This Act provides legal safeguards against hunting, poaching, and unsustainable exploitation of forests. Any project within the area requires strict clearance from the central government.
Static GK fact: The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 established the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau and created schedules of protection for species.
Biodiversity wealth
The sanctuary is home to tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaurs, and sambar deer. The presence of tigers is a strong ecological indicator of healthy prey populations. Rare species like the Ashoka tree with saffron-coloured flowers highlight its floral richness.
Static GK Tip: The tiger is India’s national animal and is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
Conservation significance
The sanctuary forms part of the tiger corridor linking Goa to Karnataka reserves like Bhimgad and Anshi-Dandeli. Declaring Mhadei as a tiger reserve will enhance long-term conservation planning in the region. Protection of the river system ensures sustained water resources for Goa.
Static GK fact: India has 54 tiger reserves under Project Tiger, managed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
Challenges ahead
Despite protection, the sanctuary faces threats from infrastructure projects, mining activities, and deforestation. Balancing human development and ecological security remains a crucial challenge. The Supreme Court’s intervention reinforces the judiciary’s role in environmental governance.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and Supreme Court Intervention:
| Topic | Detail |
| Declared as wildlife sanctuary | 1999 |
| Governing law | Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 |
| Location | North Goa, Western Ghats |
| Borders | Karnataka and Maharashtra |
| River flowing through | Mahadei (Mondovi) River |
| Fauna | Tigers, leopards, gaurs, sambar deer, sloth bears |
| Flora | Moist deciduous, evergreen species, Ashoka tree |
| Conservation proposal | Declared as Tiger Reserve |
| Connected corridors | Bhimgad and Anshi-Dandeli in Karnataka |
| Supreme Court action | Stayed projects within sanctuary |
