Roads laid flouting forest rules in Srivilliputhur–Meghamalai Tiger Reserve

Concerns have been raised over the unauthorised construction and repair of three roads within the Srivilliputhur–Meghamalai Tiger Reserve (SMTR) of Virudhunagar district, located in the ecologically-sensitive Western Ghats.

These activities, carried out recently by government bodies without mandatory forest clearances, have drawn criticism from local conservationists for violating environmental regulations and threatening critical wildlife habitats.

According to sources, at least a dozen more such roads are planned in the area.

The Meghamalai Tiger Reserve is part of a corridor linking the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala to the forests of Tamil Nadu. Characterised by steep hill ranges, dense forest cover and diverse flora and fauna, the terrain is home to tigers, elephants, leopards and many endemic and endangered species. 

Any disturbance in this fragile ecosystem, particularly road construction, can lead to habitat fragmentation and an increase in human-wildlife conflict, activists say.

The three roads

The first reported violation occurred on July 2, when the NABARD Rural Roads Department constructed a road from Varusanadu to Aranmanaiputhur via Melapoosanuthu. The road passes through Myladumparai Reserved Forest (RF), covering 140 metres in length and 3.75 metres in width. 

This road was formed without permission from the Forest Department, flouting the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.

A second instance was recorded when the Kadamalai-Mayilai Union undertook the renewal and blacktopping of a road from Vembur to Manoothu via Ganeshapuram. This route cuts through Myladumparai RF, with a total stretch of approximately 1.76 kilometres. 

The third road was reportedly laid in mid-July under the Kadamalai-Mayilai Union panchayat. Strengthening works were carried out on the BT road from Myladumparai to Ponnampadugai, which runs through three reserved forest sections totalling 476.6 metres. As with the previous cases, no statutory permission was obtained for works within forest limits.

All three road projects pass through areas notified as part of the SMTR.

Official response

An official attached to the Meghamalai Tiger Reserve said the project proponents were asked to apply for Forest Clearance and the applications are currently being processed. 

Srinivas R. Reddy, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force), said, “For the upcoming roads, we have asked them to follow due process before starting any work. They must file applications on the Parivesh portal, and can proceed only after receiving final approval from the Government of India.”