Patrols to curb trespassing, teasing of animals on Pollachi
Officials from the Department said five staff from the Pollachi forest range are conducting two-wheeler patrols at different sections of the ghat road between Attakatti and Aliyar at the downhill.
They will dissuade people from parking vehicles on the sides of the ghat section, which passes through reserve forests of the Pollachi range of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, and ensure that wild animals are not disturbed.
The State animal Nilgiri tahr, which is an endangered species, and Bonnet macaques are normally spotted along the ghat section. The field staff ensures that motorists do not disturb or feed them, said officials.
Though the State Highways Department has installed roller crash barriers at hairpin bends, which also serves as a barrier, miscreants scale it to trespass into the forest to have a view of the Aliyar reservoir and for other activities.
According to an official, several incidents of miscreants trespassing into forest areas as an adventure or to consume alcohol have been reported in the recent past. However, no incidents of teasing wild animals have been reported of late.
The official added that the patrols were intensified also in view of the rain season as trespassing into cliffs and slopes of the ghat section could lead to mishaps.
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