Nanmangalam reserve in need of attention

While forest officials claim that they are taking necessary measures and have even formulated anti-poaching committee to protect the species, wildlife activists argue that the forest officials should go extra mile to restore the Reserved Forest to its original status. 

Sources said that the 320-hectare reserve forest between Velachery and Tambaram was earlier heavily encroached upon and the people in the locality used the periphery of the forest for defecation. Also, it used to be a haven for anti-social elements. Though the forest department began constructing walls around the forest, it wasn’t completed due to financial crunch. 

KVRK Thirunaranan, a wildlife activist and founder of The Nature Trust, says “Nanmangalam should have ideally been Chennaiites’ pride as it is a home to over 80 species. Species like Eurasian eagle owl, which has figured in the endangered species, have been sighted in Nanmangalam. Further, it houses Indianan golden jackal and monitor lizards, different kind of butterflies and other insects.” He said more species could be expected to arrive once the construction of compound walls is completed. 

G Vijaya Kumar, a wildlife enthusiast, Madras Naturalist’ Society, said that the place should properly be maintained by the forest authorities. “The general public in the vicinity should cooperate with forest officials,” he said. 

Ashokan, District Forest Officer (DFO), Chennai, said that they were taking measures to safeguard the forest. “We have already constructed compound walls to an extent of two km and we have sent another proposal to extend the walls. The RF is gradually developing and enough measures are in place to remove encroachment,” he said.