Forest Department, Bharathiar University, and the police have decided to conduct a joint inspection of the land available on the university campus where the police proposes to set up a firing range. The joint inspection follows as the Forest Department has raised concern.
Coimbatore District Forest Officer, N. Satheesh, said that the department was not against the initiative, but has raised its concern as the proposed firing range would be close to Maruthamalai forests.
“The land is inside the university, and hence the department does not have any right to oppose the project. But we will have look at the possible impact of it on the wildlife,” said Mr. Satheesh.
Assistant Conservator of Forest (Forest Protection Squad) M. Nazir who visited the site last Friday has prepared a report citing possible impacts on the wildlife.
Mr. Nazir reiterated that activities at the firing range would definitely disturb wildlife, and change the natural route of several animals, including elephants.
He said that the report has been forwarded to Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
The police had approached the university seeking land for the firing range as it it would also create a space for NCC cadets for firing practice.
