Prominent Save Mhadei activist, Rajan Ghate, has called upon the government to fulfill its duty by promptly designating the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS), as a Tiger Reserve, during a press conference at the Institute of Menezes Braganza Building in Panjim today.
Ghate, further scrutinised the government's decision to appoint senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, questioning the utilisation of Rs66 lakh of taxpayers' money to challenge a High Court order in the Supreme Court.
“Why Tax Payers' money of Rs 66 lakh should be wasted as lawyer's fees to safeguard interests of two MLAs" said Ghate.
The environmental activist urged the government to take comprehensive measures to protect the Mhadei region.
"We urge the government to designate the entire buffer zone for human settlements, agriculture, and horticulture while preserving the untouched and pristine areas within the core zone,"
They proposed that out of the approximately 700 sq. km of protected forests, 400 sq. km should be allocated for the core zone, with the remaining 300 sq. km designated as the buffer zone.
He further stated that the Karnataka government has also shown interest in resolving the Mhadei issue. They are planning to lead an all-party delegation to meet with the Prime Minister to discuss the matter further.
