Restriction on vehicle movement passing through the 23 km. reserved forest road at Talamalai in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) has ensured their free movement.
STR that is spread across 1.41 lakh hectare area is rich in flora and fauna due to its confluence of Eastern and Western Ghats and holds significant population of tiger, leopard, elephant and other animals. The reserve has seven territorial ranges at Sathyamangalam, Bhavani Sagar, Thukkkanaikkenpalayam, Talamalai, Hasanur, Germalam and Talavadi. The 23 k.m. stretch from forest check post at Dhimbam to Talamalai that pass through thick forest cover is an ideal habitat for the predator owing to the large prey base as elephants, tiger, leopard, bison, spotted deer, sambar deer, python, squirrel and other small animals are found in large numbers. Also, presence of water in the range helps the wild animals to combat the heat during summer.
Six tribal hamlets are located in the stretch, Bejalatti, Mavellam, Kalithimbam, Atri, Thadasalli and Ramanarai, who move to Sathyamangalam for work. Also, tourists use the stretch frequently. Since movement of vehicles cause disturbance to the animals, the Forest Department had few months ago banned vehicles from using the stretch from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. and also imposed restrictions on private vehicles movement from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. everyday.
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A senior forest official said that while local people know the behaviour of animals, many tourists tease the wild animals and land in trouble. “Earlier 60 to 100 private vehicles use the stretch everyday. But now about 30 to 40 vehicles are allowed to use the stretch during the day time after obtaining permission”, he added. The official said that after the restrictions, animals move freely during the day time and their protection is ensured.
Closed surveillance television cameras were installed at the check post and vehicles that pass through the stretch were monitored. Also, fee of ₹ 50 for car and ₹ 100 for other vehicles were charged while the tribal are not charged at the check post. “The money goes towards Sathyamangalam Tiger Conservation Foundation Tamil Nadu Trust, Erode”, that is established under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and is used for development activities, the official added.
Students, who are studying in other places and visiting their hamlets during weekends, are allowed till 8 p.m. on Fridays while ambulances and vehicles that carry patients during night hours are also allowed. “All the vehicle movement is captured and the footages are reviewed”, the official said. Since many farm houses are located in the area that provides accommodation to tourists, the forest department is proposing to take steps to regulate it.
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Tourists willing to enjoy the fauna and flora in the stretch can make use of the eco-tourism programme that the department will be starting soon after the hills received good rainfall in the past four days, officials said.