Wildlife Clearance Proposal at Kalem Station

Summary of Legislative and Environmental Developments in Goa:

1. Wildlife Clearance Proposal:

   • The Goa State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) recommended submitting a proposal for wildlife clearance concerning the handling of iron ore at Kalem railway station, located within Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, to the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) for consideration.
   • This recommendation follows a recent Supreme Court ruling.

2. Judicial Background:

   • The Bombay High Court (July 2023) ordered the Goa government to notify the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and other areas as a tiger reserve, as identified by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), within three months.
   • The Goa government subsequently filed a special leave petition to challenge this order.

3. Supreme Court Rulings:

   • On September 8, 2023, the Supreme Court ordered a status quo on development activities in areas designated for notification as a tiger reserve, directing a Central Empowered Committee to examine the issue and report within six weeks.

4. Public Interest Litigation:

   • In January 2024, the organization Goa Foundation filed a public interest litigation in the High Court contesting the ore handling at Kalem railway station, citing possible damage to vegetation and wildlife due to mining truck movements.
   • The Court instructed that the Chief Wildlife Warden must evaluate the wildlife clearance application per the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

5. Environmental Concerns:

   • Concerns were raised about the ecological impact of the proposed iron ore handling operations amid ongoing discussions about the sanctuary's conservation.
   • SBWL members expressed preferences for alternative locations for ore handling to minimize wildlife disruption.

6. Government Engagement:

   • The meeting was chaired by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, with participation from the Goa Forest Minister and other key officials to deliberate on wildlife protection and iron ore transportation issues.

7. Regulatory Framework:

   • The handling of wildlife clearance falls under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which mandates securing permissions from the Chief Wildlife Warden for such activities.

8. Proposals and Recommendations:

   • During discussions, the suggestion was made to utilize an alternative railway yard located about 2 km from the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary to avoid non-forestry use of sanctuary land.
   • A proposal was made to form an expert committee to analyze the operational impact and recommend mitigation strategies related to the wildlife sanctuary.

Key Terms and References:

• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Legislation governing the protection of wildlife in India.
• Supreme Court of India: Apex court providing final jurisdiction on legal matters.
• National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA): Body for the protection of tigers and their habitat.
• Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary: A protected area in Goa known for its biodiversity.

This summary encapsulates the pertinent facts, legal frameworks, and environmental concerns surrounding wildlife conservation measures and industrial activities in Goa, focusing on the implications of recent judicial rulings and government actions.