Chennai: Tamilnadu will now have a new tiger reserve, spread over one lakh hectares of land under the Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary and Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary.
This being the State’s fifth such reserve, it was given approval by the Union government, following a letter from the Tamilnadu government on 7 January.
According to sources, TN is expected to notify the reserve, after the Central government does.
Set to be the 51st tiger reserve in the country, this new facility has been a long-time demand of wildlife conservationists in the region. The reserve is likely to improve water management and tiger population in the area, apart from being a buffer for Periyar reserve tigers.
Wildlife experts also feel that the new facility might help in the conservation and rejuvenation of the Vaigai river.