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The Hindu
10-08-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Amid threats, the historical habitats of Nilgiri tahr in Coimbatore Forest Division indicate a revival in population
While the second synchronised survey of Nilgiri tahr, held in April this year, estimates the State animal's population at nine in the Coimbatore Forest Division, it has identified significant threats in historical habitats. According to the survey report released recently, a Nilgiri tahr was sighted at Chinnaattumalai after a decade. This indicates a potential recovery of this habitat and dispersal of the species to the connected landscape. Indirect evidence, such as pellets and hoof-marks, has been recorded at other habitats. The population was nil in last year's synchronised survey. Of the seven forest ranges in the division, Madukkarai and Boluvampatti have habitats of the endangered mountain ungulate. Chinnaattumalai and Periyaattumalai are the Tahr habitats in the Madukkarai range. High elevations of the Boluvampatti range — Kunjiranmudi, Kurudimalai, and Vellingiri hills — are the other habitats. According to the report, Kurudimalai was surveyed as a historical habitat of Nilgiri tahr, based on the description of a herd of mountain goats in the hill in Thiruppugazh, written by Tamil saint-poet Arunagirinathar. Indirect signs, like pellets, were found in the hill during the survey. E.R.C. Davidar, a wildlife conservationist who pioneered studies on Nilgiri tahr, had recorded 20 individuals in Kunjiranmudi in 1975-78. The report says forest fires, pilgrimage, and invasive species are major threats to the Nilgiri tahr habitats in the division. 'Periyattumalai, Chinaattumalai, Kurudimalai, and Vellingiri hills are highly affected by fire and invasive species. From February to May every year, pilgrims are visiting the Vellingiri temple. Thus, human-induced fires may happen... Habitats are disturbed by mass trekking of devotees,' it says. It says local communities are collecting non-timber forest products, such as honey and firewood, in the forest boundary. Invasive species — such as Eupatorium glandulosum, Chromolaena odorata, and Lantana camara — were found in the habitats. It states that the isolated Nilgiri tahr population (nine) in the division is connected to Kerala's Elival Mala region. Combined with Elival Mala, it may not exceed 20, which is below the minimum required population for survival: 50. 'The existing anthropogenic pressure from pilgrimage remains one of the threats to the Nilgiri tahr in Vellingiri. Additionally, the expansion of shola forests into grasslands and the reduction of grassland areas may have decreased the available pasture for grazing,' the report says.
The Hindu
11-05-2025
- The Hindu
Ettukkudi Murugan Temple lacks basic amenities
The historic Ettukkudi Murugan Temple in Thirukkuvalai taluk, under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department, continues to face infrastructure gaps despite attracting hundreds of devotees daily and tens of thousands during major festivals. Situated in Ettukkudi panchayat, the Subramaniya Swamy Temple is known for its Chola-era architecture, association with saint Arunagirinathar's Thiruppugazh hymns, and the samadhi of siddhar Vanmeeka. It draws large crowds during Kanda Shashti, monthly Sashti, Karthigai, and the Chithira Pournami festival. However, basic amenities for visitors remain severely lacking. 'There is only one toilet, located far from the temple, and it has remained locked and unusable for a long time. It serves no purpose, and open defecation is common,' said T. Selvam, CPI State committee member and former panchayat union councillor. He noted the absence of a proper solid waste management system. Mr. Selvam urged the government to prioritise key infrastructure improvements, including functional public toilets, dedicated parking spaces, high-mast lighting around all four sides of the main gopuram, and road upgrades. He called for widening access roads and expanding the bus stand, which struggles to manage the influx of vehicles during peak times. Despite the temple's religious prominence, the area still lacks a proper public transport terminal and faces poor mobile network coverage, particularly within the temple premises. R. Ravi, a devotee, said the temple pond had been encroached by the bus shelter and urged its restoration along with walking paths and green spaces. He flagged lack of a designated parking area, which caused traffic congestion during festivals. An HR&CE official said funds had not been sanctioned yet for Ettukkudi Temple infrastructure, but proposals had been submitted and work will begin once approved and funded.
