T.N. draft elephant corridor plan | Two new corridors identified in Erode district
The Hindu
Tamil Nadu's draft elephant corridor plan aims to protect vital migration routes for wild elephants in the region.
The Tamil Nadu government appointed-Elephant Corridor Committee has identified a 53.8 km stretch in the Anthiyur - Chennampatti forests in Erode division, and a 3 km stretch in the Sujilkuttai – Bannari forests, falling under the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) as corridors that are used frequently by wild elephants.
A draft elephant corridor consolidation plan for Tamil Nadu was released in English on April 29, and the public were asked to give their comments or opinions by May 7. Also, the Forest Department has announced that public hearings will be conducted at each elephant range district to receive suggestions.
As per the draft plan, 50 to 60 elephants migrate seasonally in STR – Anthiyur and Chennampatti – Pennagaram Range in Dharmapuri that covers the forest ranges of T.N. Palayam, Anthiyur, Chennampatti, in Erode districts and Pennagaram in Dharmapuri district. The corridor is positioned between STR, the Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary and the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka. The landscape connects to the Nilgiris, the Kollegal forests, and the Wayanad and Cauvery forestscapes in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, making it one of the most diverse habitats for various life forms.
Water resources available in the corridor are Doddakombai, Palar Pallam, Pulimaduvu Pallam, Thonimaduvu Pallam, Palar stream and the Cauvery Basin river. Farmlands and settlements including Doddakombai, Kinathadi, Kakkayanur, Thamaraikarai, Solaganai, Nadukaval Thittu in Kathirimalai are also located on this landscape.
A major threat to elephant movement is the Anthiyur – Kollegal road.
About 150 to 200 elephants move throughout the year in the Sujilkuttai – Peerkadavu – Bannari corridor connecting Bhavanisagar, Talamalai, Sathyamangalam ranges in STR with the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) in the Coimbatore Forest Division. Moyar is a water source for the elephants while many villages are also located along the corridor.
The Semmalai Hills have a very steep topography and the agricultural fields close to the hills, as well as the shooting range of Tamil Nadu Special Task Force (STF) are seen as bottlenecks in the corridor. Also, the Dindigul – Bengaluru National Highway 948 runs through this landscape that is actively used by elephants.
CBI challenges Delhi HC's suspension of Kuldeep Sengar's life sentence in the Unnao rape case at the Supreme Court.
Ramanathapuram farmers seek timely preservation of water bodies
BJP leaders claim town panchayat results reflect Congress government's failure amid ongoing leadership struggles and unmet promises.
Water level in Mullaperiyar dam on Thursday stood at 132.95 feet (the maximum permissible level is 142 ft.) with an inflow of 199 cusecs and a discharge of 1,000 cusecs.
Suvendu Adhikari urges Bangladesh to end attacks on Hindus, promising continued protests if violence persists against the community.
New Mayor V.K. Minimol prioritizes anti-corruption and a comprehensive mobility plan for Kochi's urban development and efficiency.
O. Sadasivan elected Mayor of Kozhikode, emphasizing collaborative city development and prioritizing waste management and agricultural projects.
The procedure of endoscopic removal of stone and blockage from the bile duct, followed by placement of Common Bile Duct (CBD) stent, widely practised in leading medical institutions and private hospitals, was performed for the first time at Government Thoothukudi Medical College and Hospital on a 10-year-old girl.
Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu emphasizes political decorum and warns against crime and character assassination in politics.
Prashant Jagtap joins Congress, citing ideological differences with NCP and criticizing BJP ahead of Pune civic elections.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq removes 'Hurriyat chairman' title amid pressure from authorities, sparking varied reactions across Kashmir's political landscape.
Delhi's air quality worsens to 'very poor' at 332 AQI, with eight stations reporting 'severe' levels above 400.
Tributes to Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga on his 37th death anniversary highlighted his enduring legacy and commitment to social upliftment.