Forest dept intensifies restoration efforts in Kodai tribal pockets

The forest department isused to severe rainfall and landslides, but a cyclonic storm bringing down the trees in reserve forests insomething unusual. After an initial lull in clearing the trees, now the situation has improved.

Forest rangers had also identified tribal hamlets in Palani and Kodaikanal hills and relief materials such as tarpaulins, bed sheets, clothes have been distributed.

More than two hundred anti-poaching watchers and foresters associated with social forestry scheme have been roped in and the squads initially assisted the revenue department in clearing trees along the state highways.

Now, the teams have moved inside the forest area. A lot of teak trees planted by the forest department had also collapsed and uprooted. All these timbers will reach the forest godowns and they will be auctioned through the department, the senior official said.

“Plastic files to keep documents were also distributed to the indigenous communities in Ponthupuzhi and Manthittu Tribal Settlements of Palani Forest area,” said a forester. On Friday a small relief camp by Tamil Nadu Green movement was also inaugurated by Ganesh Ram, range officer, Palani. Kodaikanal wildlife division.

“The forest department has the cardinal objective to incorporate the forest dwelling indigenous communities in conservation and then engage them as watch dogs and eco-warriors,” said Arun Shankar of Tamil Nadu Green Movement. Usually the tribes are ignored during the times of disaster and they hardly demand any relief, but relief camps bridge the gap between the indigenous people and the foresters, he said.