CHENNAI: The Union Budget 2026–27 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday has prioritised eco-friendly tourism in Tamil Nadu, with proposals to promote trekking at Podhigai Malai in the Western Ghats and birdwatching tourism at Pulicat Lake, while stressing sustainable development.
Presenting the Budget in Parliament, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted that the nation had strong potential for world-class trekking and hiking experiences. Under a national initiative, ecologically sustainable mountain trails will be developed in select regions, including Podhigai Malai in the Western Ghats region in Tamil Nadu and Araku Valley in the Eastern Ghats, besides Himalayan States.
Podhigai Malai, also known as Pothigai Hills or Agasthiyar Malai, rises to about 1,866 metres along the Tamil Nadu–Kerala border and is regarded in Tamil tradition as the abode of Sage Agastya.
The region, which forms part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve (ABR) recognised by UNESCO, is a biodiversity hotspot and the source of the Thamirabarani River. Podhigai Malai, known as Agasthyakoodam in Kerala, already attracts trekkers, with regulated access permitted by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department from January to September.
The Union Budget also highlighted the promotion of birdwatching tourism at Pulicat Lake, India’s second-largest brackish water lagoon, spread across Tiruvallur district in Tamil Nadu and Tirupati district in Andhra Pradesh.
Located along the Coromandel Coast, the lake is a key habitat for migratory birds such as flamingos, pelicans and storks during the season spanning from October to March, and supports local fishing communities.
Environmental groups, however, urged caution. G Sundarrajan, coordinator of Poovulagin Nanbargal, said it would be best to keep the Pothigai Hills, the birthplace of major rivers such as the Thamirabarani, as undisturbed as possible.
Sundarrajan pointed out that incidents of human-wildlife conflict had already begun to increase in some foothill areas. Irresponsible forest tourism, he said, could cause significant harm to both forests and wildlife.