The Ministry of Environment and Forests has “in principle” agreed to one-km buffer zone for four wildlife sanctuaries of Goa ~ Mhadei, Netravali, Bhagwan Mahaveer and Bondla. The eco-sensitive zone for the Cotigao sanctuary has been extended upto 3 kms.

In all total 33 mining leases are located within one km buffer zone, of which 20 were operational prior to the Supreme Court ban order, which would directly stand cancelled once the notification on buffer zone is issued.