Leader of Opposition, Edappadi K Palaniswami, launched a scathing attack on the DMK government, condemning what he termed as an “ill-conceived” draft elephant corridor plan. Palaniswami voiced concerns that the proposed plan could potentially endanger the lives and livelihoods of tribal communities in Gudalur, particularly in The Nilgiris district.
In a strongly worded statement, Palaniswami raised doubts about the credibility of the list of elephant corridors identified by the panel under the Chief Conservator of Forest of Tamil Nadu. He questioned the quality of the study and criticized the timing of the plan’s publication, especially while the Model Code of Conduct is in effect.
Palaniswami expressed skepticism regarding the DMK government’s motives in aiming to double the number of elephant corridors, suggesting that such a move could adversely impact tribal communities. He demanded that the state government release a detailed report in Tamil and publish it in regional newspapers before finalizing any policy on elephant corridors.
Highlighting inconsistencies in previous studies, Palaniswami cited earlier researches which identified varying numbers of elephant corridors in Tamil Nadu. Despite the existence of previous data, the panel constituted by the TN government recently published a draft on April 29, claiming the existence of 42 elephant corridors. Palaniswami criticized the lack of clear communication to the public regarding the draft corridor and the deadline for submitting suggestions.
Palaniswami reiterated the AIADMK’s commitment to forest and wildlife conservation but stressed that they would oppose any efforts to displace tribal communities from their ancestral habitats. He emphasized the integral role played by these communities in safeguarding the forests and their livelihoods for generations.