Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve | 11 Apr 2025

Source: TH

The Supreme Court has directed the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to carry out a detailed survey of the Agasthyamalai landscape to identify any non-forestry activities and encroachments. 

• Aim of the Survey: To identify all instances of non-forestry activities that violate statutory laws like the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. 
  • To provide comparative forest cover data to reveal the extent of degradation. 
• Key Areas Under Survey: Periyar Tiger Reserve 
  • Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary 
  • Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary 
  • Thirunelveli Wildlife Sanctuary 
• Agasthyamalai: It is part of a 3,500 sq. km biosphere reserve recognised by UNESCO. 
  • It stretches across Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the southernmost stretch of the Western Ghats. 
  • The Neelakkurinji flower, which blooms once every 12 years, grows in this landscape. 
  • Lion-Tailed Macaque, Bengal Tiger, Nilgiri Marten, Nilgiri Tahr, Malabar Spiny Dormouse, Great Pied Hornbill, Gaur (Indian bison), Sloth Bear found in this region. 
  • The region is inhabited by indigenous communities, especially the Kani tribe.