Tribal villagers oppose plan to start eco-tourism

The villagers, following a meeting convened at Anaikatty village, have resolved to register their protest against the Forest Department’s plans to organise tourism activities in their neighbourhood. 

Around 100 tribals took part in the one-hour meeting presided over by Anaikatty village head Basuvan on Sunday. 

The Forest Department planned to organise eco-tourism in Anaikatty, Sigur and Sokkanalli forest areas by roping in locals from the tribal communities. It was also meant to generate employment for the tribals. 

“We have decided to oppose if the Forest Department conducts vehicle ‘safari’. It may cause disturbance and affect the peaceful ambience in our neighbourhood,” said Basuvan. The villagers expressed apprehension that their culture, tradition and rights would be ruined by the intrusion of tourists. They have now decided to petition the Forest Department officials 

against bringing any tourism-related projects to their tribal villages. 

The villagers said efforts to introduce eco-tourism were made with the expansion of the Mudhumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) by including Singara, Sigur and Thengumarada forest areas. These ranges were already part of the buffer zone of the MTR spread over an area of 321 sq km. 

For years, the villagers protested against including their neighbourhoods in the reserve. The MTR is a habitat for tigers, leopards, hyenas and wild dogs besides herbivores such as elephants, bison and deer.