Goa, Nov. 26 -- VITHALDAS HEGDE

The Central Em powered Committee's (CEC) recommendation to create a two-phase Tiger Reserve in Goa has triggered sharply contrasting reactions across the State, once again expos ing the deep divide between conservation advocates and the political establishment. In its report submitted to the Supreme Court, the CEC has proposed a two-phased approach. Phase I - Declare Ne travali Wildlife Sanctuary (211.05 sq km) and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary (85.65 sq km) as core areas, forming a 296.7 sq km tiger habitat linked to Karnataka's Kali Tiger Reserve. Phase II - Notify Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctu ary - North (64.9 sq km) and Bhagwan Mahaveer National Park (107 sq km) as buffer zones, adding 171.9 sq km to ...