‘Tiger reserve will rejuvenate Vaigai’

Madurai: The central government’s move to declare the Srivilliputtur- Meghamalai sanctuary as the fifth tiger reserve of Tamil Nadu would go a long way in rejuvenating the Vaigai, said speakers at a conference held in Madurai on Sunday.

A meeting to thank the governments for declaring the Srivilliputtur-Meghamalai sanctuary a tiger reserve was organised by the Vaigai Nathi Makkal Iyakkam and Neernilaigal Pathukaapu Iyakkam in Madurai on Sunday. Vaigai originates from the Varasanadu range of Meghamalai.

Dr S Nagarathinam, professor and head, department of communication, Madurai Kamaraj University, said that National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has declared 64,186 ha (1016.5 square km including buffer zone) of Srivilliputhur Megamalai area as tiger reserve. Tiger is an umbrella species, hence if tiger is protected all other co-predators will also be protected. This declaration gives legitimate protection for vegetation in the prey area making protection of forests mandatory. If the pristine state of forests was protected, wetlands in the catchment will also be protected. The connection between forests and water sources will be maintained. “We hope water will flow regularly in the Vaigai, which was celebrated by Sangam Age poets, because its place of origin falls within the declared sanctuary area,” he said.

Dr S Kannan, professor and head, environmental sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University, stated that Kalakad Mundanthurai is situated south and Periyar Tiger Reserve is situated west to the Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve. Now the declaration connects both the tiger reserves. This protection will conserve the wildlife habitat and it is good for the Vaigai catchment area.

Dr J Jerald Wilson, researcher in the department of marine and coastal studies said that the tiger reserve will help protect the biodiversity in Srivilliputhur and Megamalai where rare species are found.

Enthusiasts and volunteers from various organizations spoke about the need of protecting the Vaigai in order to get water for irrigation and drinking purposes in the six districts. Various speakers mentioned that the earlier case of Kalakad-Mundanthurai declaration brought water to the Tamirabarani. tnn


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