The Madras High Court has instructed the Central government to provide funds for the relocation of all 495 inhabitants of Thengumarahada village in Tamil Nadu due to its location within the protected area of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. The reserve spans 321 sq. km. in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris District, positioned at the confluence of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. It is part of the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve and features diverse habitats including tropical forests, bamboo groves, and grasslands. The region harbors an array of wildlife such as Tigers, Elephants, Panthers, and more. The award-winning documentary ‘Elephant Whisperers’ was shot within the reserve.
Prelims pointer
- Mudumalai Tiger Reserve: A protected area in the Nilgiris District, Tamil Nadu, covering 321 sq. km. It’s renowned for its diverse habitats and rich wildlife, including Tigers, Elephants, and Panthers.
- Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve: The first Biosphere Reserve in India, encompassing the Nilgiri hills and adjacent areas across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala.
- Western Ghats: A mountain range along India’s western coast, home to numerous biodiversity hotspots and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Theppakadu Elephant Camp: Located within Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, this camp was the filming location for the Oscar-winning documentary ‘Elephant Whisperers’, highlighting human-elephant interactions.
- Tropical Evergreen Forest: A biome characterized by lush vegetation, high rainfall, and year-round greenery, supporting a wide range of plant and animal species.
