The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Ramanathapuram News : Panel formed to regulate collection of dead corals

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, May 15, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Ramanathapuram

Panel formed to regulate collection of dead corals

Staff Reporter

`Though there was no report of coral mining, surprise raids would be conducted.'

RAMANATHAPURAM: Officials of the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park have decided to form a committee to regulate the collection of dead corals, if any, on the seashores in Ramanathapuram and Tuticorin districts.

Speaking to The Hindu, V. Naganathan, Wildlife Warden, GMMNP, said the committee would consist of Wildlife Warden, Assistant Director, Mines, Assistant Director, Fisheries, and respective tahsidars.

"No one is entitled to collect corals. The collection of corals is an offence under the Wildlife Protection Act. If any body wants to collect dead corals, he or she should approach the authorities concerned and apply through the proper format. Then the committee will visit the specified location to find out if the coral is dead or alive. On the basis of the inspection, the committee will decide whether to give permission or not," he said.

Mr. Naganathan said there were no dead corals along the Ramanathapuram and Tuticorin coast.

The AD (Mines) of the Tuticorin district had already visited the coastal line of the district and certified that he could not come across any dead coral along the coastal line.

He warned that strict action would be initiated against those who violate the Wildlife Protection Act.

Though there was no report of coral mining, the officials would conduct surprise raids. Instructions were given to intensify the vigil.

Officials would concentrate on Tharavaikulam, Threspuram, Vembar, Punnakayal, Rajapalayam and Gruspuram coastal villages of Tuticorin district.

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Panel formed to regulate collection of dead corals