Tamil Nadu - Udhagamandalam   

Vigil stepped up at Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

Photo: Special Arrangement

Not to be disturbed: Elephants crossing the road at the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve near Udhagamandalam. —

Udhagamandalam: Owing to the dry conditions prevailing in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) and its surroundings the Disaster Management Centre at Mudumalai has been placed in a state of high alert, said the Field Director, MTR, Rajiv K. Srivastava while speaking to The Hindu here on Monday.

Though the situation is as of now not alarming adequate precautionary measures have been taken.

While about half the 326 sq. mts. reserve has become dry, the remaining areas are still green thanks to the rain received late last year.

While the storage in the Game Hut and Ombetta reservoirs is comfortable about 70 percent of the water holes had enough water to last for about 15 days.

About 20 more water holes have been created. They will be filled with the help of tankers.

Stating that the reserve will remain closed between February 19 and 25 for the tiger census, he said that the situation will be reviewed towards the end of the month. Though bush fires have so far not occurred in any part of the reserve patrolling has been intensified in the dry areas.

Officials of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu will meet shortly to take stock of the situation.

Pointing out that migration of wild animals particularly elephants towards Mudumalai is showing signs of increasing, he said that steps have been taken to caution people passing through the reserve. On no account should the privacy of the animals be disturbed.

Stating that arrangements are being made to celebrate ‘Tiger Day’ and ‘Elephant Day’ at the reserve, he said that among the main participants would be the students of the Government Deaf School and members of the orphanage here. They will highlight the need to protect the ‘mute population’.

Adverting to the Mariamman temple car festival scheduled to be held at Bokkapuram, near Mudumalai, next week, Mr. Srivastava said that since a large number of devotees are expected to flock to the temple a separate strategy will be evolved to prevent accidental fires.

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