The Communist Party of India (Marxist), Nilgiris District Committee has urged Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa to help those affected by the recent order of the Supreme Court banning tourism in the core areas of the tiger reserves including the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) near here.
In a memorandum sent to the Chief Minister, the District Secretary, CPI(M) R.Badhri pointed out that by way of complying with the order the authorities concerned have prevented tourists from entering all the three tiger reserves in the State.
However the steps taken to enforce the ban have affected thousands of persons residing near the reserves. They are not able to move freely.
The Tamil Nadu government should take up with the Apex Court the concerns of the people and protect their rights.
Pointing out that already night traffic is banned near the Mudumalai and Bandipur tiger reserves, he said that owing to the recent development even day traffic would be restricted.
Since bus facilities are limited in the forest areas by and large people use their own vehicles.Henceforth it would be difficult for the people to travel even for their basic requirements.
Since the MTR is located at the tri-junction of three states even inter-state travel would become cumbersome.
The government should ensure that the activities of the forest department do not affect the day to day life of the people.
