Following the Supreme Court’s decision in 2018, upholding the notification of the elephant corridor in the Sigur Plateau, conservationists allege that there has been an increase in resorts and commercial establishments in areas outside the notified elephant corridor.
Concerns raised by conservationists were confirmed by the Nilgiris district administration and revenue department, which recently issued notices to close 17 buildings illegally operated as commercial businesses along the Kalahatti Ghat road leading to Masinagudi and Mudumalai. has been issued.
talking to HinduA prominent conservationist in Tamil Nadu, requesting anonymity, said that since the closure of 39 resorts located along the corridor, many businesses have moved to areas outside it, including Masinagudi, Mavanallah, Chadapatti and Kalahatti along the slopes. Are included. “These areas are governed by the same restrictions that elephant corridors have. The Tamil Nadu Private Forest Conservation Act is in force in these areas, and no illegal resort should be allowed to function,” the conservationist said.
Nilgiris District Collector SP Amrit said 17 buildings had been identified by the revenue department as permission to operate as housing but were instead used by the owners for commercial purposes. Shri Amrit said that necessary action would be taken by issuing notices to the owners of the buildings.
Most of the buildings are Thalakundah and 36. Hullathi Gram Panchayat are located between th Hairpin turn of Kalahatti Ghat Road. The route is known for its scenic views, its popularity among tourists and wildlife viewing including tigers and elephants.
The resorts pose a risk not only to wildlife, but also to people, conservationists argue, pointing to a recent accident along the Kalahatti Ghat Road that left one person dead and 17 others injured, when His van fell down the road. Getting off the road illegally. Two persons, operating a private resort, have since been arrested for helping the driver of the van bypass the police checkpost in Thalakonda, where policemen have been using the road to get off the road for the past few years. Deployed to stop vehicles from outside the Nilgiris. It is considered extremely dangerous due to its sharp corners and steep slopes.