Udhagamandalam: At least 55 residential properties in Mavanallah and surrounding areas located close to the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) buffer zone were issued caution notices by the Masinagudi panchayat for utilizing the properties for commercial purposes. The properties were found used as resorts/homestays.
This action was initiated after an inquiry into the death of a 50-year-old male elephant which suffered burn injury on its left ear in Mavanallah 10 days ago. The inquiry revealed that three rooms located in the first floor of the residential premise, where the elephant had strayed and sustained burn injury, were let out for tourists illegally.
On January 22, the district administration ordered the lock and seal of the three rooms. Subsequently, an order was issued to the Masinagudi panchayat by the administration to identify residential properties utilized for commercial purposes as homestays and lodging. “We have identified 55 residential properties in Mavanallah, Achakarai and Masinagudi utilized as resorts/homestays. As per the instruction of the district administration, we have served caution notices to the owners of the properties,” president of Masinagudi panchayat Madevi Mohan said. She added the properties were issued licenses only for dwelling purposes.
The 55 properties include 33 in Masinagudi area. An owner of the property in Masinagudi said, “Our property is located outside the elephant corridor. We have been paying property tax on a commercial basis and for the electricity connection too. We will close our establishments for now. We seek the intervention of the district administration to regularize and issue proper orders to run our establishments smoothly.”
According to an activist, Sigur elephant corridor is a no conflict area. This is the first time a jumbo was cruelly treated by throwing a burning object on it.