Habitat destruction rampant in Megamalai
The forest is also the lifeline for Vaigai river that flows through southern districts benefiting Theni, Madurai, Virudhunagar and Ramanathapuram.
Chennai: In blatant violation of forest and conservation norms, rainforests and catchment areas in Tamil Nadu continue to lose their forest cover due to the felling of endemic Shola forests.
“Megamalai that serves as a catchment area for Theni district is the latest place facing habitat destruction,” admit highly placed forest insiders adding that Megamalai that is a pristine habitat for endangered animals is also the birthplace for the Suruli river.
The forest is also the lifeline for Vaigai river that flows through southern districts benefiting Theni, Madurai, Virudhunagar and Ramanathapuram. The forest department has started felling trees near the highways to lay a road as part of eco-tourism promotion activities, said a department source.
“Megamalai has been a soft target for the timber mafia and TN foresters should not follow commercial modules to promote eco-tourism. The adjacent Periyar tiger reserve in Kerala is the best eco-tourism module. They lay mud roads without affecting biodiversity and the trees are not touched,” explains wildlife biologist G. Kannan who has worked with wildlife organisations like WWF Traffic and the Indian Institute for Science.
When contacted, district forest officer Ananda Kumar denied that there was any tree felling in Megamalai wildlife sanctuary for eco development work. It may be noted that in 2014, a wildlife enthusiast approached the Madras high court as more than 2,700 trees were axed for road development.