Declaration of Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary, Kodaikanal, Palani and Periyakulam Taluk, Dindigul and Theni District as Reserved Forest under the Tamil Nadu Forest Act
The Environment and Forests Department, through G.O. Ms. No. 143, Environment and Forests (FR.5), dated 20th September 2013, declares specified reserved forest areas in Dindigul and Theni districts as the Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary from 20th September 2013. The sanctuary covers 60,895.482 hectares across Kodaikanal, Palani and Periyakulam taluks, after excluding specified tourist areas, roads and leased areas.
What the notification does
G.O. Ms. No. 143, Environment and Forests (FR.5), dated 20th September 2013, was issued by the Environment and Forests Department. Acting under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Governor of Tamil Nadu declares the reserved forest areas identified in the schedule as the Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary from 20th September 2013.
The declaration states that the area has adequate ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, natural and zoological significance for protecting, propagating and developing wildlife and its environment.
Area covered
The Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary covers 60,895.482 hectares, or 608.95 square kilometres, in:
- Dindigul district and part of Theni district.
- Kodaikanal, Palani and Periyakulam taluks.
- Multiple named reserved forests whose boundaries are described in the schedule and annexures.
The notified extent is divided as follows:
- Palani taluk in Dindigul district, 18,463.44 hectares.
- Kodaikanal taluk in Dindigul district, 24,051.084 hectares.
- Kodaikanal and Periyakulam taluks in Dindigul and Theni districts, 18,380.958 hectares.
Important exclusions
G.O. Ms. No. 143 excludes identified land used for tourist sites, roads and leased areas when calculating the final sanctuary extent. Named tourist exclusions include Caps Valley, Moir Point, Silent Valley, Pillar Rock, Pine Forest, Guna Cave, Berijam Lake, Berijam Staff Quarters, Mannavanur Lake, Kumbakkarai Falls and Paramasivan Koil.
The annexures provide separate figures for the original extent of each reserved forest, excluded areas and the remaining sanctuary area. They also describe boundaries using reserved forest limits, rivers, district boundaries, peaks, roads, waterfalls and other physical features.
Who should check the notification
Property buyers, owners and professionals dealing with land near the listed reserved forests should compare the property location with the scheduled boundaries and exclusions. The notification identifies the sanctuary through detailed boundary descriptions rather than through a general description of nearby towns, so the relevant reserved forest name and exact location are important.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
When did the Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary declaration take effect?
G.O. Ms. No. 143, Environment and Forests (FR.5), states that the declaration took effect from 20th September 2013.
How large is the Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary?
The notified area is 60,895.482 hectares, or 608.95 square kilometres.
Which districts and taluks are included?
The sanctuary covers reserved forest areas in Dindigul district and part of Theni district, within Kodaikanal, Palani and Periyakulam taluks.
Are tourist areas included in the sanctuary extent?
Specified tourist areas are excluded from the calculated sanctuary extent. The annexures identify the excluded sites and their areas, including Berijam Lake, Mannavanur Lake, Guna Cave and Kumbakkarai Falls.
