Red flag over Thiruparankundram’s falling biodiversity

Madurai: Amid the communal and political tension sparked by a religious ritual at the Thiruparankundram hill in Madurai district, environmentalists have flagged the waning ecological balance of the region once known for its rich flora and fauna. They say the region which houses more than 140 bird species and rare mammals needs an official safeguard by being designated a biodiversity heritage site.The hill's green cover has suffered ever since Thiruparankundram panchayat was merged with Madurai city corporation in 2013. Ila Murugan, an environmental activist who has been advocating for protection of the hill's ecology, says the southern side of the hillock (Thenparankundram) once resembled a forest. "Over the years, buildings replaced much of the greenery, and even the temple administration cleared many areas," he said. "Until 2014, white peacocks were frequently seen in the region, but none has been spotted in the last ten years, and no action was not taken despite multiple petitions to the conservator of forests," he said. Murugan said more than 400 palmyra trees were destroyed to establish an eco-park in Thiruparankundram. "The irony is that the eco-park now contains many non-native tree species instead of indigenous ones," he added. Tamil Dasan, convener of Madurai Nature and Cultural Forum (MNCF), which surveyed the region's biodiversity in 2019, says the hill has a significant reptile population too. Recently, researchers from Wildlife Protection and Research Society discovered a new species, the reticulated dwarf gecko, a diurnal species.Dasan expressed concern over the decline in slender loris numbers and extinction of foxes in the region. "The biodiversity heritage site tag does not provide blanket protection like other designations, but it recognises the ecological importance of the area. This tag does not transfer land ownership to the forest department," he added.P R Viswanathan, founder of Thirunagar Pakkangal, a civic society, called for protecting tanks around the hills. "Apart from Thenkal, tanks such as Panangulam, Ariyakulam and Sevanthikulam are in dire need of protection. Many trees were lost during developmental activities around Thenkal tank. Banyan trees, in particular, were cut down for various projects," Viswanathan said. "We are attempting to transplant trees that are being removed for developmental projects, including TPK main road expansion work," he added.Responding to a petition filed by Ila Murugan a few weeks ago, district forest officer (DFO) Tharun Kumar said there are challenges in securing biodiversity heritage site status. "The forest department attempted social afforestation and sought permission from HR & CE Department, but permission was not granted. However, the plan remains active," he told TOI. "It undoubtedly has heritage potential, but we need a thorough biodiversity survey to provide valid proof," he said pointing to the comprehensive study conducted in Idayapatti. Kumar confirmed that a proposal to accord Biodiversity Heritage Site status to Idayapatti has been submitted and is awaiting approval from the biodiversity board.
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