Bifurcation of Anaimalai Tiger Reserve on cards

Bifurcation of Anaimalai Tiger Reserve on cards
Staff Reporter
The Hindu, Pollachi: Wednesday, Nov 11, 2009

Minister for Forests N. Selvaraj on Tuesday told journalists that for enhanced vigil and administrative efficiency, the Anaimalai Tiger Reserve would be bifurcated.

The Minister visited Pulipatti in Udumalpet where 562 sandalwood trees, measuring from 2 mts to 20 mts, had been felled. Several tonnes of sandalwood that was about to be smuggled, were recovered by the Forest Department personnel.

“Be it officials or tribals colluding with the smugglers, stringent action will be initiated against the culprits,” the Minister said.

Mr. Selvaraj added that Udumalpet would be the headquarters for one of the areas after the bifurcation of the reserve.

An officer of District Forest Officer rank (designated as Assistant Field Director) would be posted at Udumalpet, who would report to the Field Director at Anaimalai Tiger Reserve headquarters, Pollachi.

Vigil along the Anaimalai Tiger Reserve had been stepped up by deploying more manpower and the services of the Special Task Force had also been roped in.

The Minister was accompanied by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests K.S. Balanathan and Field Director H. Basuvaraju.

The source article can be found here:
http://www.hindu.com/2009/11/11/stor...1150490200.htm