Notification of Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site in Madurai District under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002
The Government of Tamil Nadu, Environment, Climate Change and Forests Department, issued G.O. Ms. No. 201, Environment, Climate Change and Forests (FR.5), dated 21st November 2022, notifying 193.215 hectares in Arittapatti and Meenakshipuram Bit I villages of Madurai District as the Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site. The notification was made by the Governor of Tamil Nadu under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, after consultation with local bodies and on the recommendation of the Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Board.
What the notification does
The Environment, Climate Change and Forests Department notification formally designates specified land in Madurai District as the Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site. The Governor of Tamil Nadu made the designation under sub-section (1) of section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, after consulting local bodies.
The stated purpose is to strengthen biodiversity conservation and protect the area from rapid biodiversity loss. The Government of Tamil Nadu acted on a recommendation from the Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Board.
Land covered
The Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site covers a total of 193.215 hectares across two villages and taluks:
- Survey numbers 379/1 and 379/2 in Village No. 54, Arittapatti, Melur Taluk, covering 139.230 hectares and 0.405 hectares respectively.
- Survey number 137 in Village No. 74, Meenakshipuram Bit I, Madurai East Taluk, covering 53.580 hectares.
Property buyers, owners and professionals dealing with land in these survey numbers should note that the land falls within a notified biodiversity heritage site. The notification does not specify transaction procedures, development controls, compensation or restrictions applying to individual owners.
Why the area was selected
The Government of Tamil Nadu identified seven granite hillocks, described as inselbergs, as having sufficient biodiversity importance. The notification records that:
- Around 250 bird species are present, including the Laggar Falcon, Shaheen Falcon and Bonelli’s Eagle.
- Wildlife includes the Indian Pangolin, Python and Slender Loris.
- The rocky hill landscape functions as a watershed supporting 72 lakes, 200 natural spring pools and three check dams.
- The region contains megalithic structures, Tamil Brahmi inscriptions, Jain Beds and rock-cut temples stated to be 2,200 years old.
Who may be affected
The Environment, Climate Change and Forests Department designation is directly relevant to owners, buyers and professionals examining land in the listed villages and survey numbers. Anyone assessing such property can compare its survey details with the schedule, which is the part of the notification that defines the included area.
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
Which survey numbers are included in the Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site?
The site includes survey numbers 379/1 and 379/2 in Arittapatti village, Melur Taluk, and survey number 137 in Meenakshipuram Bit I village, Madurai East Taluk.
What is the total area notified as the biodiversity heritage site?
The notified area totals 193.215 hectares.
Does the notification state what restrictions apply to private property?
No. The notification designates the listed area as a biodiversity heritage site, but it does not set out transaction procedures, development restrictions or compensation provisions.
Why was Arittapatti declared a biodiversity heritage site?
The notification cites its rich biodiversity, watershed function and historical importance. It also states that the designation is intended to strengthen conservation and protect the area from rapid biodiversity loss.
