Declaration of Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary and Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary as “Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve”
The Government of Tamil Nadu, Environment and Forests Department, issued G.O.Ms. No. 14, Environment and Forests (FR.5), dated 8 February 2021, declaring the specified areas of Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary and Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary as the Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve. The declaration took effect on 8 February 2021 and covers 101,657.13 hectares in Virudhunagar, Madurai and Theni districts.
What the notification does
The Government of Tamil Nadu, Environment and Forests Department, through G.O.Ms. No. 14, Environment and Forests (FR.5), dated 8 February 2021, declares the area described in its Schedule as the Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve. The Governor of Tamil Nadu made the declaration on the recommendation of the Tiger Conservation Authority under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, with effect from 8 February 2021.
Area covered
The Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve extends across:
- Virudhunagar, Madurai and Theni districts.
- Rajapalayam, Srivilliputhur, Peraiyur, Uttamapalayam, Usilampatti and Andipatti taluks.
- Srivilliputhur and Megamalai forest divisions.
The notified extent is divided into:
- Core area of 64,186.21 hectares.
- Buffer area of 37,470.92 hectares.
- Total area of 101,657.13 hectares, equal to 1,016.5713 square kilometres.
The Schedule identifies numerous forest blocks within the core and buffer areas, including Srivilliputhur, Khansapuram, Saptur, Seithur, Megamalai, Vannathiparai and Koothanathci reserve forests. It also includes specified parts or extensions of some forest blocks.
Boundaries
The Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve is bounded by Madurai Territorial Forest Division to the north, Virudhunagar and Madurai district revenue areas to the east, and Tirunelveli Forest Division and Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala to the south. Its western boundary includes Theni district revenue areas, Theni Territorial Forest Division and part of Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Admitted rights and access
The notification records admitted rights relating to identified national highway, state highway, estate, electricity board, municipal, forest and Public Works Department roads. These include routes connecting Theni with the Kerala boundary, Chinnamanur with private estates, Kadamalaigundu with the Kerala boundary, Mallapuram with Mayiladumparai, and the forest boundary with Kovilar Dam.
The notification also records that tribal people in Ayyanarkoil, Shenbagathoppu, Athikoil, Thaniparai, Vinobanagar and Valliammai Nagar are assigned 4,955 hectares of reserve forest for bona fide collection of minor forest produce. This comprises 1,089.32 hectares in the core area and 3,865.68 hectares in the buffer area.
Relevance to land and property
Owners, buyers and professionals dealing with land near the listed forest blocks or boundaries should compare the location with the Schedule. The notification does not provide individual property survey numbers or a parcel level map.
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 Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve declaration take effect?
The declaration took effect on 8 February 2021.
Which districts and taluks are covered?
The reserve covers areas in Virudhunagar, Madurai and Theni districts, within Rajapalayam, Srivilliputhur, Peraiyur, Uttamapalayam, Usilampatti and Andipatti taluks.
How large is the tiger reserve?
The total notified extent is 101,657.13 hectares, or 1,016.5713 square kilometres. It consists of 64,186.21 hectares of core area and 37,470.92 hectares of buffer area.
Does the notification recognise existing roads and minor forest produce collection?
Yes. It lists specified roads as admitted rights and records 4,955 hectares assigned to tribal people from six named hamlets for bona fide collection of minor forest produce.
