The Forest Department has raised concern over preparations being done to carry out desilting works on the backwater area of Bhavani Sagar Dam in Sirumugai range by accessing the area through reserve forest.
The move by contractors, despite earlier visits by District Collector and senior PWD officials to check the environmental concerns, will seriously disturb animals in the reserve forest, according to officials.
Sources said that contractors are now entering the backwater area through Lingapuram forest which is a busy corridor of various animals accessing the Bhavani water.
“Earlier, desilting works were being done in PWD owned area in Pethikuttai. Those areas are now covered by rainwater following recent showers. Now contractors are eyeing desilting in Koothamandi area by accessing the location through Lingapuram forest,” said sources.
According to Forest Department officials, the contractors are planning to carry out the desilting works showing a permit given by tahsildar, Mettupalayam. “Though the order permits them to carry out the work, it does not permit them to access the area through forest. Chances are high for elephants to stray to farm lands or other sources of water in human habitation if their regular route is disrupted,” said a forest department official.
Sources alleged that a few farmers’ association and a local leader of AIADMK has put pressure to carry out desilting works without properly assessing environmental impacts.
When contacted, a city-based NGO, which had earlier intervened in the issue, said that the move is a serious concern which will be again taken to the attention of District Collector.
Apart from large numbers of elephants, Sirumugain range boasts heavy population of spotted deer, black buck and gaur. Earlier this year, a tiger was also spotted in Sirumugai range.