Declaration of Theni Forest Division and Madurai Forest Division in Uthamapalayam, Periakulam Taluk of Theni and Madurai District as reserved forest under Wild Life (Protection) Act
The Government of Tamil Nadu, Environment and Forest Department, issued G.O. (D) No. 63, Environment and Forest (FR V), dated 26th June 2009, declaring the scheduled area in Theni and Madurai districts as Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary from 26th June 2009. Although the printed heading refers to reserved forest, the operative notification declares a wildlife sanctuary covering 26,910.81.5 hectares and defines it through listed forests, villages, survey fields and boundaries.
What the notification does
G.O. (D) No. 63, Environment and Forest (FR V), dated 26th June 2009, was issued by the Government of Tamil Nadu, Environment and Forest Department under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The Governor of Tamil Nadu found the scheduled area to have adequate ecological, fauna, floral, geomorphological, natural and zoological significance and declared it as Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary from 26th June 2009.
The stated purpose is to protect, propagate and develop wildlife and its environment. The printed heading refers to declaration as reserved forest, but the operative text expressly declares the area to be a sanctuary.
Area covered
The Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary schedule identifies:
- Districts: Theni and Madurai.
- Taluks: Uthamapalayam, Periakulam, Thirumangalam and Usilampatti.
- Forest divisions: Theni Forest Division and Madurai Forest Division.
- Total area: 26,910.81.5 hectares.
- Uthamapalayam Taluk area: 14,450.98.5 hectares.
- Periyakulam Taluk area: 10,774.31.0 hectares.
- Thirumangalam and Usilampatti Taluks area: 1,685.52.0 hectares.
The Uthamapalayam portion includes Erasakkanaickanur, Kuthannachiar, Vannathiparai, Molagudalur, Kappuvamadai, Boothkaradu, Suruilipatty, Dhonikaradu, Boovathikaradu and Pandarathurai reserved forests. The Periyakulam portion is identified as the Gandamanaickanur East Forest Block in Madurai Forest Division.
Why it matters for land checks
Property buyers, owners and professionals dealing with land near the scheduled forests should compare the land location with the detailed boundary description. The notification traces boundaries using survey field numbers, village boundaries, reserved forest boundaries, roads, peaks and the Kerala State boundary.
Relevant named villages include Royappanpatty, Erasakkanaickanur Hill Village, Chinnaovalapuram, Kannisunaipatty, Alagapuri, Megamalai, Kadamalaigundu, Theppampatti, Palakombai, Palayakottai, Rajathani, Kothapatti, Kodaluthu and Vallanadi. Inclusion depends on the scheduled boundary, not merely on being located somewhere in Theni or Madurai district.
The notification does not state land transaction procedures, fees or compensation arrangements.
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 Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary declaration take effect?
The declaration took effect on 26th June 2009, the date specified in G.O. (D) No. 63, Environment and Forest (FR V).
Does the declaration cover all land in Theni and Madurai districts?
No. It covers the scheduled area of 26,910.81.5 hectares within the listed taluks and boundaries. The boundary is defined using forests, villages, survey field numbers and physical features.
How can I tell whether my property falls within the sanctuary?
Compare the property's village and survey field details with the schedule and its boundary description. The notification does not provide a separate property lookup process.
Does the notification specify a fee or procedure for selling land in the area?
No. The notification declares and describes Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, but it does not state transaction fees or sale procedures.
