State may ask HC for time to declare Mhadei tiger reserve

The Goa government is likely to request more time from the Bombay High Court to declare the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and surrounding areas as a tiger reserve. The state government had challenged the High Court’s order, but the Supreme Court refused to grant a stay. The state’s decision to seek more time follows legal advice from advocate general Devidas Pangam. The High Court had directed the state to issue a notification within three months, which expires on October 24. The state has expressed reluctance to designate 25% of its territory as a tiger reserve.