Through putting in place confidence-building measures, the Forest Department has been able to take on board the tribal people and
make strides in tiger conservation in the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, the largest in Tamil Nadu.
Soon after Sathyamangalam forest was made a tiger reserve a year ago, there was an apprehension among the tribal people that they would be relocated. But, after the Forest department involved them in conservation activities, the tribal residents started realising their environmental responsibilities by themselves, according to the District Forest Officer of Sathyamangalam Division K. Rajkumar.
Residents in the forest areas take increasing part in eco-development activities. And, owing to the beefed-up strength made possible through recruitment of locals as Forest Watchers and Anti-Poaching Watchers, the department has enlarged its scale of monitoring activities in the forest.
Alongside, capabilities of the department staff have also been enhanced through training programmes, Mr. Rajkumar said.
