Condemning the Forest Department’s refusal to permit them to reach the temple located inside the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR), devotees staged a protest at Karachikorai forest check-post in Bhavanisagar on Wednesday.
Adi Karuvannarayar temple is located 15 km from the check-post near the Moyar river and members of Uppiliya Naicker community from across the State and from Karnataka used to visit the temple during the annual festival. Since the temple is located in the protected area, permission is required from the Forest Department for visiting it. A committee comprising officials from forest, police and revenue departments met recently and gave permission for the devotees to participate in the festival.
On Wednesday, thousands of devotees came in over 250 four-wheelers to visit the temple. But till 10 a.m., they were not permitted to enter the forest area and stopped at the check-post. Devotees staged protests and former Bhavanisagar MLA P.L. Sundaram, senior police officials and revenue officials arrived at the spot.
The staff said that only 100 vehicles would be allowed inside and only after the vehicles returned to the check-post, another 100 vehicles would be allowed. But, devotees opposed it and after talks, over 250 vehicles were allowed. Devotees were asked not to enter the river and be cautious and return to the check-post by Thursday afternoon.
