Concern over violation of wildlife rules

UDHAGAMANDALAM, December 27, 2012
The Tamil Nadu Green Movement (TNGM) has expressed  concern over violation of wildlife rules  in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) during the current festive season.

In a statement here on Wednesday its coordinator K. Mohanraj said that threats to wild animals in the MTR and the adjoining areas controlled  by the Nilgiris North Forest Division are increasing.

Among the contributory factors are the unregulated tourism related activities. Alleging that on Christmas day crackers had been burst and music played loudly, with scant regard to wildlife, in some of the resorts located near Masinagudy, Mavanhallah, and Bokkapuram which fall within the  Sigur Elephant corridor, he said that such activities mainly affect the elephants which are used to following the traditional migratory route.

The violators should be booked under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, he said.

Such activities also encourage poachers and anti-social elements to enter the forests.

Mr. Mohanraj said that the authorities concerned should swing into action now to prevent such  activities during the New Year celebrations.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/concern-over-violation-of-wildlife-rules/article4243765.ece