State seeks its right of way to Parambikulam sanctuary

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Follow us:WhatsappFacebookTwitterTelegram.cls-1{fill:#4d4d4d;}.cls-2{fill:#fff;}Google NewsThe extension of the interim order banning tourism activities in the core areas of the tiger reserves by the Supreme Court has again left the people of Kerala, who wish to travel to the Parambikulam sanctuary, without the “right of way”.Since there is no direct route to the Parambikulam sanctuary from Kerala, one has to pass through Tamil Nadu to enter the sanctuary in Chittur Taluk. The Parambikulam sanctuary can be reached only through Anamalai, Vettaikaranpudur and Sethumadai, located in Tamil Nadu.After the Supreme Court banned tourism activities in the core areas of the tiger reserves on July 24, the forest officials of Tamil Nadu were sending back all tourist vehicles at the Aanamalai check-post. Only the department vehicles and two buses - one of the Tamil Nadu State Corporation and the other of the KSRTC - are being allowed to operate in the area.Forest secretary P K Mohanthy had sent a letter to the Advocate-General of Kerala to present the state’s point when the case came up for hearing on August 21.The Centre had in its affidavit in the Supreme Court sought review of the July 24 order pointing out that several states had expressed the view that many locals would lose their income who were depending on tourists for their living, which in turn may harm the wildlife. However, the Supreme Court extended the interim order banning tourism activities in the core areas of the tiger reserve.Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) O P Kaler said he had also sent a detailed note to the Advocate-General stating that Kerala was suffering owing to the wrongful act of the Tamil Nadu forest authorities by notifying even the road to Parambikulam in the core area.It was pointed out that the Parambikulam sanctuary was not a core area and tourism activity was only being taken up in the buffer areas. Therefore, Kerala needed access to the sanctuary, he said.Moreover, at present there were 234 tribal people engaged in various kinds of work, including tourism activities, at the Parambikulam sanctuary. Of them, 120 tribesmen have been provided employment by engaging them in anti-poaching activities by the Forest Department. The remaining 114 tribesmen who work as guides and produce mineral water for tourists have all been thrown out of employment. Further hearing in the case will be held on August 29 in the Supreme Court and Kerala will be pressing its case for the ‘right of way’, said O P Kaler.first published:August 24, 2012, 11:48 ISTlast updated:August 24, 2012, 11:48 IST
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The extension of the interim order banning tourism activities in the core areas of the tiger reserves by the Supreme Court has again left the people of Kerala, who wish to travel to the Parambikulam sanctuary, without the “right of way”.

Since there is no direct route to the Parambikulam sanctuary from Kerala, one has to pass through Tamil Nadu to enter the sanctuary in Chittur Taluk. The Parambikulam sanctuary can be reached only through Anamalai, Vettaikaranpudur and Sethumadai, located in Tamil Nadu.

After the Supreme Court banned tourism activities in the core areas of the tiger reserves on July 24, the forest officials of Tamil Nadu were sending back all tourist vehicles at the Aanamalai check-post. Only the department vehicles and two buses - one of the Tamil Nadu State Corporation and the other of the KSRTC - are being allowed to operate in the area.

Forest secretary P K Mohanthy had sent a letter to the Advocate-General of Kerala to present the state’s point when the case came up for hearing on August 21.

The Centre had in its affidavit in the Supreme Court sought review of the July 24 order pointing out that several states had expressed the view that many locals would lose their income who were depending on tourists for their living, which in turn may harm the wildlife. However, the Supreme Court extended the interim order banning tourism activities in the core areas of the tiger reserve.

Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) O P Kaler said he had also sent a detailed note to the Advocate-General stating that Kerala was suffering owing to the wrongful act of the Tamil Nadu forest authorities by notifying even the road to Parambikulam in the core area.

It was pointed out that the Parambikulam sanctuary was not a core area and tourism activity was only being taken up in the buffer areas. Therefore, Kerala needed access to the sanctuary, he said.

Moreover, at present there were 234 tribal people engaged in various kinds of work, including tourism activities, at the Parambikulam sanctuary. Of them, 120 tribesmen have been provided employment by engaging them in anti-poaching activities by the Forest Department. The remaining 114 tribesmen who work as guides and produce mineral water for tourists have all been thrown out of employment. Further hearing in the case will be held on August 29 in the Supreme Court and Kerala will be pressing its case for the ‘right of way’, said O P Kaler.