The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has issued a notice to the state government in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) petition. The PIL seeks to limit the entry of outsiders and vehicles into the Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. Located in the Southern Western Ghats spanning Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts of Tamil Nadu, this reserve, established as a Tiger Reserve in 1988, is a biodiversity hotspot. It comprises Kalakad Sanctuary, Mundanthurai Sanctuary, and part of Kanyakumari Sanctuary. The Agastya Malai Hill Range is its core area, and it’s the source of 14 rivers. The terrain varies from valleys to porous rocks, featuring diverse vegetation, including lush evergreen forests, grasslands, and even plantations.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Southern Western Ghats: A mountain range running parallel to India’s western coast, known for its rich biodiversity and ecological significance.
- Biodiversity Hotspot: A region with an exceptionally high concentration of unique species, often facing threats of habitat destruction and species extinction.
- Agastya Malai Hill Range: The core area of the Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, known for its unique flora and fauna.
- PIL (Public Interest Litigation): A legal action initiated in the public interest to address issues affecting the general public or the environment.
- Savannah Woodlands: Open woodlands characterized by scattered trees and grassy vegetation, typically found in drier regions.