View source for Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park

{{Infobox settlement
| name                    = Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and <br/>Mollem National Park 
| other_name              = Mollem wildlife
| Sanctuary               =
| nickname                = 
| settlement_type         = National Park
| image_skyline           = ... Mollem National Park (5661050155).jpg
| image_alt               = 
| image_caption           = Mollem National Park
| pushpin_map             = India Goa#India
| pushpin_label_position  = left
| pushpin_map_alt         = 
| pushpin_map_caption     = Location in Goa, India
| coordinates             = {{coord|15|22|25|N|74|15|31|E|display=inline,title}}
| map_image               = Mollem NP map.jpg
| map_caption             = 
| subdivision_type        = Country
| subdivision_name        = [[India]]
| subdivision_type1       = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1       = [[Goa]]
| subdivision_type2       = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name2       = &nbsp;&nbsp;'''[[South Goa]]'''
| established_title       = Established
| established_date        = 1978
| founder                 = 
| named_for               = 
| government_type         = 
| governing_body          = 
| unit_pref               = Metric
| area_footnotes          = 
| area_rank               = 
| area_total_km2          = 107
| elevation_footnotes     = 
| elevation_m             = 890
| population_total        = 
| population_as_of        = 
| population_rank         = 
| population_density_km2  = auto
| population_demonym      = 
| population_footnotes    = 
| demographics_type1      = Languages
| demographics1_title1    = Official
| demographics1_info1     = [[Konkani language|Konkani]]
| timezone1               = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1             = +5:30
| postal_code_type        = <!-- [[Postal Index Number|PIN]] -->
| postal_code             = 
| registration_plate      = 
| blank1_name_sec1        = Nearest city
| blank1_info_sec1        = [[Margao]]
| blank2_name_sec1        = [[IUCN protected area categories|IUCN category]]
| blank2_info_sec1        = II
| blank3_name_sec1        = Governing body
| blank3_info_sec1        = [http://www.goaforest.com Goa Forest Department]
| blank1_name_sec2        = [[Precipitation (meteorology)|Precipitation]]
| blank1_info_sec2        = {{convert|3080|mm|in}}
}}

'''Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park''' is a {{convert|240|km2|sqmi}} [[Protected areas of India|protected area]] located in the [[Western Ghats]] of [[West India]], in [[Dharbandora]] [[taluk]], [[Goa]] State, along the eastern border with [[Karnataka]]. The area is situated near the town of [[Molem]], {{convert|57|km|mi}} east of [[Panaji]], the state capital of Goa. [[List of National Highways in India by highway number|National Highway 4A]] divides it into two parts and the Mormugao - Londa railway line passes through the area. It is located between 15°15"30' to 15°29"30' N and 74°10"15' to 74°20"15' E.<ref name="Suman">{{cite journal|author1=S.D. Gad |author2=S.K. Shyama |year=2009|title=Studies on the food and feeding habits of Gaur ''Bos gaurus'' H. Smith (Mammalia: Artiodactyla: Bovidae) in two protected areas of Goa |journal= Journal of Threatened Taxa |volume=1|issue=2|pages=128–130 |url=http://threatenedtaxa.org/index.php/JoTT/article/view/323/497 |doi=10.11609/jott.o1589.128-30|doi-access=free }}</ref> It contains several important temples dating to the [[Kadambas of Goa]], and home to waterfalls, such as [[Dudhsagar Falls]] and Tambdi Falls. The parkland is also home to a community of nomadic buffalo herders known as the Dhangar.

==History==
This area was first known as Mollem Game Sanctuary. It was declared a [[wildlife sanctuary]] in 1969 and renamed as Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary. The core area of the sanctuary covering {{convert|107|km2|sqmi}} was notified as Mollem National Park in 1978.<ref>The Department of Science, Technology & Environment, Saligao – Bardez, Goa [http://www.goaenvis.nic.in/wildlife.htm WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES & NATIONAL PARKS] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024183508/http://www.goaenvis.nic.in/wildlife.htm |date=2016-10-24 }}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060624232328/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2005/09/10/stories/2005091002080300.htm (9/10/2005) The Hindu, Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary]</ref>

==Flora and fauna==
This sanctuary contains pristine vegetation classified as [[Malabar Coast moist forests|West Coast tropical evergreen forest]]s, [[North Western Ghats montane rain forests|West Coast semi-evergreen forest]]s and [[North Western Ghats moist deciduous forests|moist deciduous forest]]s. The evergreen forests are mainly seen at higher altitudes and along the river banks. The predominant species are ''[[Terminalia (plant)|Terminalia]]'', ''[[Lagerstroemia]]'', ''[[Xylia]]'' and ''[[Dalbergia]]''. The forest canopy is almost closed and the availability of grass is very limited. There are several perennial water sources in the sanctuary and the availability of water is not a limiting factor for wildlife.<ref>ATREE, Eco-Informatics Center, [http://www.ecoinfoindia.org/lldb_mollem_ws.php Bhagwan Mahavir or Mollem Wildlife Sanctuary] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140312222205/http://www.ecoinfoindia.org/lldb_mollem_ws.php |date=2014-03-12 }}, 2006</ref>

===Plant diversity===
Bhagwan Mahaveer National Park and surrounding area harbors 722 species of flowering plants in wild belonging to 492 genera and 122 families. 128 species of [[endemic]] plants either endemic to [[Western Ghats]], [[Peninsular India]] or [[India]] occur in the National Park. Two recently described taxa viz. Glyphochloa veldkampii M. A. Fonseca et Janarth. and Amorphophallus commutatus (Schott) Engl. var. anmodensis Sivad. & Jaleel are strictly restricted to the National Park. Additionally 37 species of [[Pteridophytes]] are also found in the National Park.<ref>Datar Mandar & P. Lakshminarasimhan. 2013. Flora of Molem National Park and Surroundings, Goa. Botanical survey of India, Kolkata</ref><ref name="Mandar">{{cite journal|author1=Datar, M. N. |author2=Lakshminarasimhan, P. |year=2013 |title=Check List of Wild Angiosperms of Bhagwan Mahavir (Molem) National Park, Goa, India |journal=Check List |volume=9 |issue=2 |pages=186–207 |doi=10.15560/9.2.186 |doi-access=free }}</ref>
 
===Mammals===
Wild mammals recorded in the sanctuary include the [[Indian leopard|leopard]] (particularly the [[black panther|black variant]]),<ref>[http://www.world-wildlife-adventures.com/directory/india/wildlife-parks-by-animal.asp?wildlife=Black+panther Black panther in India]</ref> [[barking deer]], [[Bengal tiger]],<ref name="TheHindu Goa 05-2019">{{cite news |last=Kamat |first=Prakesh |title=Tiger spotted at Goa's only national park |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/tiger-spotted-at-goas-only-national-park/article27175027.ece |date=2019-05-19 |access-date=2019-07-09}}</ref><ref name="TOI Goa 05-2019">{{cite news |last=Sayed |first=Nida |title=Goa's new visitor: Big cat at Molem national park |work=The [[Times of India]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/tiger-spotted-at-goas-only-national-park/article27175027.ece |date=2019-05-19 |access-date=2019-07-09}}</ref> [[bonnet macaque]], [[common langur]], [[civet]], [[flying squirrel]], [[gaur]], [[Indian giant squirrel|Malabar giant squirrel]], [[mouse deer]], [[pangolin]], [[porcupine]], [[slender loris]], [[sambar (deer)|sambar]], [[spotted deer]], [[wild boar]] and [[Dhole|wild dog]].{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}

In May 2019, 2 tigers were [[camera trap]]ped in this park, and a tigress and cubs were camera-trapped in [[Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary]],<ref>{{cite news |work=The [[Times of India]] |title=Tigress and cubs spotted at Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/tigress-and-cubs-spotted-at-mhadei-wildlife-sanctuary/articleshow/69419360.cms |date=2019-05-21 |access-date=2019-07-09}}</ref> the first sightings in Goa since 2013. The former had come from Karnataka.<ref name="TheHindu Goa 05-2019"/><ref name="TOI Goa 05-2019"/>

===Birds===
Popular birds which can be seen in the sanctuary include: [[drongo]], [[emerald dove]], [[fairy bluebird]], [[Indian golden oriole|golden oriole]], [[Great hornbill|greater Indian hornbill]], [[white-bellied woodpecker|Indian black woodpecker]], [[Malabar grey hornbill]], [[Malabar pied hornbill]], [[Chestnut-tailed starling|grey-headed myna]], [[grey jungle fowl]], large green [[Megalaimidae|barbet]], [[Indian paradise flycatcher|paradise flycatcher]], [[racket-tailed drongo]], [[Pycnonotus gularis|ruby-throated yellow bulbul]] (the Goa state bird), [[shrike]]s, [[Ceyx erithacus|three-toed kingfisher]], [[Sri Lanka frogmouth]], [[wagtail]]s. This sanctuary contains quite a few birds which are endemic to the [[Indian subcontinent]], specifically [[southern India]].{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}

===Butterflies===
Some of the many interesting butterfly specimens in the area are: [[blue Mormon]], [[common Jezebel]], [[common Mormon]], [[Chilasa clytia|common mime]], [[Abisara echerius|plum Judy]], [[common wanderer]], [[crimson rose]], [[Papilio demoleus|lime butterfly]], [[plain tiger]], [[southern birdwing]] and [[tailed jay]]. It also has endemic species like [[Idea malabarica|Malabar tree nymph]] and [[Cirrochroa thais|Tamil yoeman]].{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}

===Reptiles===
This sanctuary is famous for its snakes, particularly the [[king cobra]]. Also here are: [[Dendrelaphis|bronzeback tree snake]], [[cat snake]], [[hump-nosed pit viper]], [[Indian rock python]], [[Malabar pit viper]], [[rat snake]], [[Russell's viper]], [[Indian cobra]] and  [[common krait]],<ref>Forest Dept, Govt. of Goa, Pocket Guide Series to Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary & Mollem National Park</ref>

==Attractions==
This sanctuary and national park contain several geological, cultural and visitor service attractions that make this largest protected area in Goa a popular visitor destination.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}

===Tambdi Surla Temple===
{{main article|Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla}}
[[Image:Shri Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla, Goa.jpg|thumb|250px|The [[Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla|Mahadev Temple]], attributed to the [[Kadambas of Goa]]]]

This small but exquisite 12th century [[Shiva]] temple of the lord [[Shiva|Mahadeva]] is an active place or worship, located {{convert|13|km|mile|abbr=on}} east of Bolcornem village, past the end of a single lane paved road in the northern region of the park. The temple consists of [[garbhagriha]], [[antarala]] and a pillared [[Nandi (bull)|Nandi]] [[mandapa]] built of [[basalt]]. The four pillars, embellished with intricate carvings of elephants and chains support a stone ceiling decorated with finely carved lotus flowers of the [[Nelumbo nucifera|Ashtoken]] variety.<ref>Archaeological Survey of India, Sign at location</ref><ref>[http://www.goa-india-tourism.com/goa-temples/mahadevatemple.html Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107105533/http://www.goa-india-tourism.com/goa-temples/mahadevatemple.html |date=2009-01-07 }}</ref>

===Dudhsagar Falls===
{{Main article|Dudhsagar Falls}}

[[Dudhsagar Falls]] (literally Sea of Milk) is a tiered waterfall located high up on the [[Mandovi River]] at the Karnataka border in the southwest part of the park, {{convert|10|km|mile|abbr=on}} upstream from Collem Village. At {{convert|310|m|ft|abbr=on}}, it is Goa's tallest waterfall, India's fifth tallest, and is 227th in the world <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.world-waterfalls.com/database.php?pageNum_wwdSearch=6&totalRows_wwdSearch=919&s=N&t=H&orderby=height&sortLimit=300 |title=World's highest waterfalls |publisher=World Waterfall Database |access-date=2006-11-11}}</ref> A [[viaduct]] of the South Western Railways passes spectacularly through the waterfalls. This popular destination may be reached by hiking along the 10&nbsp;km one lane dirt road or hiring a 4-wheel drive vehicle at Collem. Access is dangerous and restricted during the monsoon season of June to September.

<gallery mode="packed" caption="[[Dudhsagar Falls]]" style="font-size:88%; line-height:130%; border-bottom:1px #aaa solid;" heights="250">
Doodhsagar Waterfalls.jpg|Dudhsagar Waterfalls in August
Dudhsagar Falls Triplet.jpg|Train passing next to the Dudhsagar Falls
Dudhsagar Falls triplet, 2009.JPG|Lower half of Dudhsagar Falls
</gallery>

===Devils Canyon===
This is an eerie canyon of water carved crevises downstream from Dudh Sagar Falls, created from solid rock by serpentine underwater currents. It is just off the main trail soon past the Collem entry point.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}

===Tambdi Falls===
[[Image:Mollem NP - Tamdi Falls.jpg|thumb|250px|Tambdi Waterfall]]

This waterfall, located about 2&nbsp;km southwest  of Tambdi Surla, at the Karnataka border, is equally spectacular and only slightly less tall than Dudsagar Falls, however it is rarely visited because of its difficult access by a steep, winding and irregular rocky path. A local guide is required.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}

===Sunset Point===
This point provides a scenic view of the park, revealing an expanse of closed canopy treetops. It can be reached by park vehicles, hired at Mollem check-point, driving along a zig-zagging road carved from the mountain.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}

==Threats==
This protected area is threatened by extensive surface mining and transport of [[manganese]] and iron [[ore]]s.<ref>Harish, Wildlife Institute of India, Case Studies, [https://archive.today/20090804161733/http://www.wii.gov.in/eianew/eia/casestudies/harish%20%20cement/introduction.htm Status of mineral resources and developments in mining sector: National perspective]</ref> A serious threat is the deposit of toxic wastes. In 2006, nearly 13 truckloads of [[sponge iron]] by-products had been dumped in the Mollem Wildlife Sanctuary and at Anmod Ghat,<ref>Protected Areas Update, ''Iron ore sludge dumped in PAs in Goa'',  June 2006, (61): 6.</ref> The settlement of private rights and concessions has still not been done away with. Some private lands are still within the sanctuary and need to be acquired in due course of time.<ref>[http://www.goaforest.com/wildlifemgmt_ecotourism.htm Wildlife Division, Forest Dept, Govt. of Goa]</ref>

=== Three Infrastructural Projects: 2020 ===
In December 2019, a newly constituted State Wildlife Advisory Board (SWLAB) met for approximately an hour. They discussed many projects, including the doubling of the railway line, a transmission line and a highway expansion proposal that would affect the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary.

The projects first came into the public purview when a wildlife scientist wrote a cover-story in The Hindu in May 2020 that pointed out that two of these projects- the transmission line and the highway, were cleared during the lockdown. These projects will require the felling of at least 91 hectares (9,10,000 square meters) of forest.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Velho|first=Nandini|date=2020-05-23|title=During lockdown, MoEFCC panels cleared or discussed 30 projects in biodiverse forests|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/during-lockdown-moefcc-panels-cleared-or-discussed-30-projects-in-biodiverse-forests/article31649606.ece|access-date=2020-08-03|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

On World Environment Day (June 5) 2020, a group of around 150 scientists, academicians, conservationists and concerned citizens from across the country wrote to Union Minister of Forests and Environment Prakash Javadekar. They urged him to reconsider the approvals granted to the three projects that threatened the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and the Mollem National Park. By this time, the number of trees to be felled were pegged at 55,000.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-06-06|title=Scientists, conservationists urge Javadekar to reconsider forest felling for highway, railway expansion|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/scientists-conservationists-urge-javadekar-to-reconsider-forest-felling-for-highway-railway-expansion/story-qtDKH5OCoLHNkNBx2o2EPP.html|access-date=2020-08-03|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>

During the one day Goa Legislative Assembly session in July 2020, the [[Chief Minister of Goa]], [[Pramod Sawant]], who also holds the forest portfolio admitted that almost 70,000 trees would be cut down for the three projects.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Page 1, The Goan Everyday|url=http://epaper.thegoan.net/m5/2765356/The-Goan-Everyday/The-Goan-Everyday#page/1/1|access-date=2020-08-03|website=The Goan Everyday}}</ref>

Later, a couple of days after the Assembly session, the Leader of Opposition, [[Digambar Kamat]], wrote to the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) of the Supreme Court stating that he was not in favour of the “dubious forest clearances” given to the three projects. He lamented that the projects were being viewed in isolation, instead of as partof Goa's largest protected area.<ref>{{Cite web|date=Aug 1, 2020|title=Kamat takes up Mollem projects with central panel|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/kamat-takes-up-mollem-projects-with-central-panel/articleshow/77293665.cms|access-date=2020-08-03|website=The Times of India}}</ref>

In October 2020, on a visit to Goa, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change [[Prakash Javadekar]] said at a press conference that he wasn't aware about the opposition to the three controversial linear projects proposed in and around the protected forests at the Wildlife Sanctuary. He said that he had received no written objections to the projects, despite environmental activists and other various groups from the state sending the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change dozens of written representations digitally and by post.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-05|title=Javadekar feigns ignorance on protests against 3 controversial Mollem projects|url=https://www.thegoan.net/goa-news/javadekar-feigns-ignorance-on-opposition-to-mollem-projects/59756.html|access-date=2020-10-11|website=The Goan EveryDay|language=en}}</ref>

A few days later, Curtorim MLA [[Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco]] sent a letter to the Ministry of Environment, as well as the Goa Chief Minister saying that their feigning ignorance on the protests was disturbing to Goans. He reiterated that numerous Goans including students, teachers, architects, artists, scientists, and travel and tourism operators, had written to him over four months on the issue, and that he had written to the Center over the issue of Mollem being stripped of its green cover.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-10|title=In a letter to the Centre, Curtorim MLA slams Javadekar on Mollem protests|url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/In-a-letter-to-the-Centre-Curtorim-MLA-slams-Javadekar-on-Mollem-protests/166267|access-date=2020-10-11|website=O Heraldo}}</ref>

Around the same time, noted Konkani writer [[Damodar Mauzo]] in a video on Mollem, urged Goans to unite and back the people of Mollem in their fight to save the forests from destruction. In the video, he also recited a poem on the ongoing struggle to save the forests penned by a Mollem local Sharaschandra Khandeparkar.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-11|title=Mauzo uploads video, recites poem to unite Goans, protect #Mollem|url=https://www.thegoan.net/goa-news/%EF%BB%BFmauzo-uploads-video-recites-poem-to-unite-goans-protect-mollem/60027.html|access-date=2020-10-11|website=The Goan Everyday|language=en}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links ==
* {{Commons category-inline|Mollem National Park}}

{{National Parks of India}}
{{Protected Areas of India}}
{{Goa topics}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary And Mollem National Park}}
[[Category:IUCN Category II]]
[[Category:Wildlife sanctuaries in Goa]]
[[Category:National parks in Goa]]
[[Category:Protected areas established in 1969]]
[[Category:Malabar Coast moist forests]]
[[Category:Geography of South Goa district]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in South Goa district]]
[[Category:1969 establishments in Goa, Daman and Diu]]