Tamil Nadu - Tuticorin   

Sanctuary facilities to be augmented

Tuticorin: The Department of Forests plans to develop facilities at the blackbuck sanctuary at Vallanadu near here on an estimated outlay of Rs.50 lakh, during the next financial year (2008-09).

Speaking to The Hindu, L. Nadhan, District Forest Officer, said that as part of a Centre-sponsored project, ‘chain link fencing’ would be established for a length of two km at strategic points along the circumference of the park.

“This will prevent the entry of stray dogs which are a threat to the blackbucks (Veli Maan),” he added.

Besides, a percolation pond would be created and a contour wall to a length of two km would be built around it, to impound rainwater flowing through the area.

Mr. Nathan said that grass seeds would be sowed over five acres to increase coverage under grassland by five per cent, to provide more quantity of fodder to the blackbucks.

“At present, grassland coverage stands at about eight per cent of the total 1,650 hectare, which will eventually be increased to 33 per cent in phases over the next few years,” he added.

Under the scheme, desilting of Seetharkulam and Puliankulam tanks, which provide drinking water to the blackbucks, would be undertaken, and 600 seedlings of taller varieties of tree species would be planted.

To beautify and enhance facilities in the surroundings of the park, tree cultivation would be taken up at private lands spread over 15 ha and drinking water facility would be established at two adjacent villages.

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