Order issued on biodiversity museum

Udhagamandalam: The state government on Tuesday issued an order to set up a biodiversity museum and a conservation centre with an eco-park at the recently notified Agasthiyamalai Elephant Reserve.At a function in Tirunelveli last September, chief minister M K Stalin announced the setting up of the museum and the centre which will be set up at a cost of 7 crore funded by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board.
The conservation of biodiversity through education and training, promotion of eco-tourism, and creating awareness among stakeholders, besides creating livelihood opportunities for local people, among others, were the main objectives for setting up the museum and the centre.
“The incredible biodiversity of KMTR provides an ideal setting for the biodiversity museum. KMTR is home to many rare and endemic flora and fauna. The area is also called a river sanctuary as 14 rivers originate from here,” said Supriya Sahu, additional chief secretary, department of environment, climate change and forests.
The proposed conservation centre will be a landmark in the conservation journey of Agasthiyamalai Elephant Reserve and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, she added. TNN