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Home , Alangayam, Ammoor, Arakkonam, Chengam, Gudiyatham, Kavalur

VELLORE CIRCLE

ABOUT CIRCLE

The Vellore Circle, comprising of the forests in Vellore and districts, was formed by carving from erstwhile Salem Circle (G.O.Ms.No.846 Forest and Fisheries department) on 06.08.1979 with headquarters at Vellore. The circle consists of the following 7 divisions.

TERRITORIAL DIVISIONS FUNCTIONAL DIVISION

1) Vellore 1) Social Forestry Division, Vellore 2) Tirupathur 3) Tiruvannamalai North 4) Tiruvannamalai South

THE DISTRICT WISE DETAILS OF FOREST AREA IN THIS CIRCLE AS ARE FOLLOWS

Sl. Name of the district Total Total forest area (in Percentage of No. geographical area sq.km) forest area (in sq.km) 1 Vellore 5922 1743 29 2 Tiruvannamalai 6312 1437 22.77 TOTAL 12234 3180 25.99

TERRITORIAL DIVISION WISE DETAILS OF FOREST AREA IN VELLORE CIRCLE

Sl. Name of the division Reserve Forest Reserve Land Total area (in No. area (in ha) area (in ha) ha) 1 Vellore 99736.415 535.805 100272.220 2 Tirupathur 71126.605 3925.915 75052.520 3 Tiruvannamalai North 67104.93 1325.26 68430.190 4 Tiruvannamalai South 75007.77 136.37 75144.14 TOTAL 312975.720 5923.35 318899.05

FOREST ROADS

Various kinds of forest roads connecting various RFs, hamlets remain under the control of Forest department and being maintained. Details of division wise forest roads available in Vellore Circle are as follows:

Sl. Name of division Length of roads in kms No. Black top WBM Mud road Cement Total road 1 Vellore 97.40 10.30 64.29 -- 171.99 2 Tirupathur 107.68 23.55 - 0.363 131.59 3 Tiruvannamalai North 140.57 41.63 45.88 - 228.08 4 Tiruvannamalai South 6.87 14.85 - - 21.72 TOTAL 352.52 90.33 110.17 0.363 553.38

Vellore Fort

VELLORE FOREST DIVISION

The lies between the latitudes North 12o21’ and 13o04’04” and East longitudes 78o34’ and 80o54’ and is bounded by Chitoor Division of in the North and Division in the West. The geographical area of the is about 6077sq. Km in which Vellore Forest Division covers an extent of 1002.722 sq.Km (100272.22 Ha.) and this division comprises 7 territorial ranges namely Vellore, Arcot, , , Amirdhi, Pernampet and Rowing Check Post Range.

This division comprises 60 Reserved Forests ranging from Scrub thorny Forests to Semi Ever Green Forest. The Reserved Forest and reserved lands pertaining to each Range and their Head quarters are as follows.

DETAILS OF RESERVED FORESTS & RESERVED LANDS IN VELLORE FOREST DIVISION Sl. Name of Head Area of RF Area of RL Total Area No. the Range Quarters (in Ha) (in Ha) (in Ha) 1 Vellore Vellore 23431.53.5 264.26.0 23695.79.5 2 Arcot 10140.44.5 54.55.0 10194.99.5 3 Gudiyatham Gudiyatham 15209.58 154.63.5 15364.21.5 4 Pernampet Pernampet 18966.48 47.52.50 19014.005 5 Odugathur Odugathur 26181.95.5 14.83.5 26196.79.0 6 Amirdhi Amirdhi 5806.42.0 - 5806.42.0 Total 99736.41.5 535.80.5 100272.22.0

TREES SPECIES DETAILS

Sl. No. Tamil Name 1 Naval 2 Thurinji 3 Vagai 4 Thumbi 5 Othiyan 6 Namai 7 Kattuvagai 8 Selaivaagai 9 Ponavaram 10 Sandal 11 Vengai 12 Ayya 13 Thandri 14 Bamboo 15 Karuvakanai

WILD ANIMALS DETAILS

Sl. No. Tamil Name 1 Pullimaan 2 Kadambaimaan 3 Sarugumaan 4 Kattuerumai 5 Maranaay 6 Kattupanri 7 Erumbuthinni 8 Keeripilli 9 Sennaai 10 Snakes 11 Birds

AMIRTHI MINI ZOO

The Zoo at Amirthi was established in the year 1967 as ‘Childrens Corner’ by Thiru. Raja Singh, District Forest Officer and later renovated in the year 1979-1980 with a total area of 10 ha. It is located about 25km from Vellore City, inside the Thellai Reserve Forest of Amirthi range with a semi-perennial falls nearby is the only Eco-tourism place present in Vellore Forest Division. Thousands of tourists visit this place every year as this is one of new places of tourist interest in Vellore District. As per G.O No: 278 E&F (FR5) dept date 20.12.12 the entrance fees of the zoo as follows.

Details of Amirdhi Mini Zoo Visitors Entrance Fees / Vehicles

Sl.No Visitors / Vehicles Details Fees 1 Children below 5 Years No Fees 2 Children age 5 to 12 Years Rs.5.00 3 Adults Rs.10.00 4 Cycle Rs.5.00 5 Two Wheeler Rs.25.00 6 Car / Van Rs.50.00 7 Bus / Lorry (HMV) Rs.200.00 8 Ordinary Camera Rs.25.00 9 Video Camera Rs. 100.00

DISPLAY MATERIALS IN THE INTERPRETATION CENTRE AT AMIRDHI

ECO HUT AT AMIRDHI

DETAILS OF WILD ANIMALS AND BIRDS IN AMIRDHI MINI ZOO

S.No Species Present stock with the Zoo

1 Spotted Deer 60 2 Jack 03 3 Peafowl 16 4 Crocodile 02 5 Water Birds 01 6 Porcupine 05 7 Civet Cat 01 8 Rabbit 08 9 Common Duck 06 10 Love Birds 02 11 Tortoise 16 12 Mongoose 02 13 Viper Snake 02 14 Cobra 02 15 Python 02 16 Turtle 10 17 Parakeets 05 18 Black Kite 07 19 Dove 11 20 Pigeon 25 21 Sambar Deer 01 22 Country Crane 01 23 Partridge 01 Total 189

TIRUPATHUR DIVISION

The Tirupattur forest division was formed in the year 1962 with its head quarters at Tirupattur, in Vellore revenue district. Earlier it was a part of erstwhile Vellore west division which was constituted way back in 1932. An extent of 75,052.52 hectare has been classified as forest which constitutes of about 12.23 % of the total geographical area of the Vellore district. The division shares its boundary with Vellore forest division on its north, Tiruvannamalai on eastern side, in western, on north western direction respectively. The division shares the Interstate boundary of about 17.2 km with the state of Andhra Pradesh. The division comprises of exquisite eastern ghat hillocks popularly known as Jawadi malai and yelagiri hill which are primarily resided by malayali tribals. The Average elevation of the area ranges from 300 to 1200 meter from MSL with its highest point culminating at swamimalai about 1339 mtr on Yelagiri hills.

The organization of the division is furnished as below

A. TERRITORIAL RANGES :

Area in Ha. Name of the No. of No. of Range sections beats Reserved Reserved Total Forests Land Tirupattur 4 14 16318.980 2865.570 19184.550 4 17 24534.775 - 24534.775 2 8 13470.540 1000.000 14470.540 3 10 16802.310 60.345 16862.655

Total 13 49 71126.605 3925.915 75052.520

B. SPECIAL DUTY RANGE

1. Government sandal wood sale depot

The central sandal wood depot established in the year 1937 is serving as storage and sale unit of sandal wood and red sanders logs from across the region. This special range is administered by Single and double locks officers supported by forest guards, watchers and other staff. The entire facility is provided with all modern infrastructures including CCTV surveillance and other safety aspects. Cleaning, Dressing and systematic grading of the sandal wood and red sanders logs are done as per the established protocol. About 19 different grades of sandal wood are available in the depot in various quantities. The wood is being disposed of by departmental tender cum auction method.

FLORA AND FAUNA

About nine different forest types ranging from tropical southern dry mixed deciduous types to tropical dry evergreen scrub forest types are found distributed in the division. The sandal wood, Terminalia spp, Albizzia spp, Zyziphus, bamboo are the principal species found distributed in the region.etc., The forests are rich in Avifauna and reptiles which includes monitor lizard, varieties of vipers, kraits etc., Wild animals such as Indian gaur, Sloth bear, leopard ,wild boar etc., are commonly found in the division.

TRIBAL SCHOOLS AND HOSTELS

Higher secondary school at Pudurnadu, Tirupattur range, and high school at Nallivasal,

Full-fledged forest schools were established under the administrative control of the forest department in remote, in accessible forest area to provide quality education to tribal and other forest dwellers with a view to promote livelihood opportunities and social equity in the division. About seven such school are being run in the division at Pudurnadu (Tirupattur range) ,Nallivasal (Singarpetteai range ) and Vasantapuram ( Alangayam range ) catering to the needs of about 1728 students of which 845 are girls. These schools includes One Higher Secondary, One High School, 2 Middle and 3 Elementary schools .The schools are provided with all basic infrastructure and necessary teaching and non teaching staff. Total number of 83 school staff is working in these schools under various categories like P.G.Assistants, B.T.Assistants, and Sec Gr Assistants. The Five hostels attached with these schools are providing good quality food and accommodation to the sanctioned strength of about 500 students.

TOURISM POTENTIAL

The water falls at Jalgamparai, Boat house, Nature Park at Yelagiri hill are some of the tourist places attracting visitors from different parts of the state. The yelagiri hill which is about 35 km away from Tirupattur is also considered to be a hill station and termed as poor man’s . The trekking path leading from mangalam to swamimalai hill offers exciting opportunities for the trekkers to view panoramic view of landscape and natural beauty of the hillocks such as jawadi malai.

The at maintained by Indian institute of physics under Alangayam range allows visitors to view celestial bodies through their various telescopes. A similar eco tourism site is being developed at Anguthi junai in Singarpettai range under Tamilnadu bio diversity and greening project. The Anguthi junai , an eco tourism destination about 36 km away from Tirupattur provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy serene climate at the lap of jawadi malai. The visitors can take bath in waterfalls and enjoy climbing the Rocky structures, The watch tower located at the ideal location provides panoramic view of the scenery of jawadi hills, The nature trails formed inside the forest encourages tourist to see wide variety of flora and fauna. The nature guides provided by the Eco tourism committee provides in depth details about socio religious importance of the place, culture and tradition of the people. The eco huts and camping facilities are being arranged for the visitors on payment basis. The logistics are also being arranged for the tourist on demand. An advanced interpretation center is being built at the entrance to provide information on the activities and facility. The Management entails integrated forest and wild life protection, tribal welfare and provision of human -forest interface through Joint forest management. The provision of Collection and marketing of minor

forest produces such as tamarind, emblica, soap nut etc., through tribal VFC are being done on annual basis. The collection, storage and sale of medicinal plants is being scientifically done using facilities provided under National medicinal plants board. Various tribal welfare measures such as improvement of roads, tribal houses is being undertaken under various schemes. The Assisted natural regeneration of Sandal wood trees is being taken on large scale in all the ranges of the division to restock the area. Massive tree planting programme and TBGP are other main schemes being implemented in the division.

TIRUVANNAMALAI NORTH FOREST DIVISION

INTRODUCTION

The Geographical area of the district is about 6191 Sq. Kms. The Erstwhile Tiruvannamalai division was established during the year 1992 vide G.O 72 (Environment & Forest) Dept. Dt: 19.02.1992 and commenced from 01.04.1992 as its head quartres a Tiruvannamalai. Taluks covered under this division were Tiruvannamalai, , Arni, , , Thanipadi and . This division was bifurcated into Tiruvannamalai South Division and Tiruvannamalai North division was formed vide G.O No. 170 (E&F) Dt: 29.11.2011 and commenced from 01.05.2012.

This Division comprises six territorial ranges namely Polur, Arni, Santhavasal, Nadanur, Jamunamarathur and Melpattu and special ranges viz., Forest station, Kelur S.F.Range Arni, S.F.Range Polur, S.F.Range Cheyyar. The Range wise distribution of the forest is given below.

RESERVED FOREST & RESERVED LANDS

S.No Name of the Head Quarters Area of RF Area of RL Total Area Range (in Ha) (in Ha) (in Ha) 1. Jamunamarathur Jamunamarathur 12148.70 -- 12148.70 2. Polur Polur 15173.41 86 15259.41 3. Santhavasal Santhavasal 12703.93 66.51 12770.44 4. Nadanur Nadanur 9237.72 -- 9237.72 5. Melpattu Melpattu 13442.44 -- 13442.44 6. Arani Arani 5478.885 92.595 5571.48 Total 68185.085 245.105 68430.19

TYPES OF FORESTS:

The forests in the hill slopes and adjoining hamlets have suffered considerable denudation due to fire and hacking by hill villagers. The following are the forest types identified in the division.

1.Southern Dry mixed deciduous Forests - 5 A / C3 2.Southern Dry deciduous Scrub Forest - 5 B / DS1 3.Southern Dry Tropical Riverain Forests - 5 A / 1S1 4.Southern Tropical thorn Forests - 6 A / C 1 5.Southern thorn Scrub Forests - 6 A / DS 1 6.Tropical Dry Evergreen Forests - G7/C1 7.Tropical Dry Evergreen Scrub Forests - G7 / DS1

A VIEW OF JAVADHI HILLS

Javadhu view near Jamnamarathur Jawadhu hills view outer slopes facing Polur Range (Eastern facing)

KALLATHUR & BONGANUR RIVER

JAWADHU HILLS VIEW OUTER SLOPS FACING SHENBAGATHOPE RESERVOIR

WILDLIFE - FAUNA

The forest contains a fair amount of wildlife but the big game population is rather poor. The plateau and valleys accommodate the bulk of the mammalian fauna because of the availability of food and water than on the plains. Bison, spotted deer, pigs, barking deer, bear, Jackal, civets, wild cats and rabbits are the important mammals of the Division. Tiger and Elephants are absent.

A small perennial tank near Kootathur Rest house is an ideal place to watch the games during summer nights.

The bird population on the plateau is more than on the plains. The more common birds are myna, warbler, bulbul, King Fisher, koel, patridge, quails, kites and wood peckers. Vultures are seen rarely.

DETAILS OF TRIBALS SCHOOLS IN JAVATHU HILLS – THIRUVANNAMALAI NORTH DIVISION, POLUR

Primary education to tribals in Javadhis hills were started by forest department as early as in before 1924 at Jamnamarathur and extended to other villages. Under the administrative control of Thiruvannamalai division, there are 11 forest schools which include 2 elementary schools, 8 middle schools and one higher secondary school functioning at Jamnmarathur. About 2628 students are given education by 67 Teachers. In total 675 students provided with free hostel facility.

Sl. Name of the schools No 1 Forest Hr. Sec. school, Jamnamarathur 2 Forest Middle school, Jamnamarathur 3 Forest Middle school, Kovilur 4 Forest Middle school, Kalyanamandai 5 Forest Middle school, Veerappanur 6 Forest Middle school, Vilamuchi 7 Forest Middle school, Vazhakadu 8 Forest Middle school, Puliyur 9 Foredt Middle school, Melpat 10 Forest Elementary school, 11 Forest Elementary schhol, Komutteri

TOURISM DESTINATION AT JAVADHI HILLS:

Javadhi hills is one of the developing hill stations in Thiruvannamalai District. People from Thiruvannamalai, Villupuram, and adjoining states used to visit Javadhi hills during week ends and holidays to enjoy the climate. The climate of Javadhi Hills is moderate. The climate during July to December is pleasant.

In Javadhi hills the most attractive tourist spots are,

1. Beeman falls 2. Kullar houses 3. Melpattu 4. Kavalur

Out of the above, the most attractive among the above are Beeman falls

Beeman falls This water falls is located inside the Veerappanur Reserve Forest about 600 mts inside from the forest boundary. The water flow in the falls is about 9 months. The height of the water falls is about 60 feet. Considering the tourism potential certain infrastructural developmental works were undertaken in these areas by Forest Department. To provide facilities to the level of satisfaction by the nature lovers and tourists the Beeman falls in Jamnamarathur Range is chosen as Eco tourism destination under TBGP scheme. Under bio diversity conservation – ecologically sustainable development – community based eco tourism development of tourism related infrastructure such as facility for eco huts, construction of trekking shed and toilets, improvement of walk paths leading to waterfalls area has been carried out by Forest department in recent years. This water falls is located inside the Veerappanur Reserve Forest about 600 mts inside from the forest boundary. The water flow in the falls is about 9 months. The height of the water falls is about 60 feet. Considering the tourism potential certain infrastructural developmental works were undertaken in these areas by Forest Department. To provide facilities to the level of satisfaction by the nature lovers and tourists the Beeman falls in Jamnamarathur Range is chosen as Eco tourism destination under TBGP scheme. Under bio diversity conservation – ecologically sustainable development – community based eco tourism development of tourism related infrastructure such as facility for eco huts, construction of trekking shed and toilets, improvement of walk paths leading to waterfalls area has been carried out by Forest department in recent years.

Kullar houses: The signs of Kullars dwellings are found which are very ancient race. To reach the house hardly we have to travel 16 Km from Jamunamarathur to Pattaraikadu Puthur by road ways and rest 4 Km by trekking house hardly we have to travel 16 Km from Jamunamarathur to Pattaraikadu Puthur by road ways and rest 4 Km by trekking.

TIRUVANNAMALAI SOUTH FOREST DIVISION

Erstwhile Tiruvannamalai division was established during the year 1992 vide G.O 72 (Environment & Forest) Dept. Dt: 19.02.1992 and commenced from 01.04.1992 as its head quartres as Tiruvannamalai. Taluks covered under this division were Tiruvannamalai, Polur, Arni, Vandavasi, Cheyyar, Thanipadi and Chengam. This division was bifurcated into Tiruvannamalai North and Tiruvannamalai South Division and Tiruvannamalai North division was formed vide G.O No. 170 (E&F) Dt: 29.11.2011 and commenced from 01.05.2012. It is bounded on the North by Vellore Forest Division, East by and Villupuram Forest Divisions, South by Division and in the West by Harur and Tirupathur Forest Divisions. The South Forest Division comprises of 10 ranges with 5 territorial Ranges – Tiruvannamalai, Thanipadi, Chengam, Satanur, Pudhupalayam respectively with the RF area 75007.77ha.

The Western and Southern parts of the District is a hilly terrain with an undulating and rugged topography comprising the hill ranges of Javadhis and Kalrayans and the eastern part is a gently undulating country with isolated hills. Most of the Reserved Forests of this Division is in Javadhis and in the predominantly agricultural eastern part of the District, a few Reserved Forests are found.

It may be categorized majorly under three heads viz. the Javadhis hills, the Kalrayan hills and the plains. Valsamalai R.F., Nattampalli R.F. and PerunkulathurSwamimalai R.F. are the Reserved Forests in the Kalrayan hills. This part of the Kalrayan is drained by a large number of small streams which run towards the North and forms two small rivers, the Pambanar and Varattar. These two rivers in turn unite together and finally join in the Ponnaiarriver. Ponnaiar RF of Sathanur and Thanipadi Ranges forms the biggest of the plain Forests.

The following table has the Rangewise area of the reserved forest of Tiruvannamalai South Division

Sl.No. Name of the Range Area in ha 1 Tiruvannamalai 10861.56 2 Sathanur 15446.40 3 Thanipadi 12141.01 4 Chengam 24453.82 5 12104.98 TOTAL 75007.77

The major type of forests of Tiruvannamali South Division as per the classification is Southern thorn scrub forests (6A/DS1). The common species are Albizza amara, Acacia leucophloea, Acacia ferrunginia, Canthium diccum, Chloroxylon swietenia, Acacia sundra, Erythroxylon monogynum, Zizyphus mauritiana, Zizyphus xylopyrus, Bauhinia racemosa, dichrostachys cinerea, Acacia latronum, Balsamoderdron berryii, Randia dumetorum, Dodonea viscosa, Pavetta indica, Carissa spinarum, Securinega cinerea etc. This forests houses spotted deer, wild boars, wild cats and rabbits. Due to adequate protection of the forests the populations of the above wildlife have been considerably increased which creates man animal conflict in the outer periphery of the forests of this hill.

1. Satanur Crocodile Farm

Sathanur Crocodile Farm is maintained by the Forest Department of since 1977. This crocodile farm is situated at the south-east corner of Sathanur Dam. Sathanur Dam is one of the major dams constructed across the Pennaiyar River. Sathanur Dam is constructed across the Thenpennai River in Thandarampet taluk among Chennakesava Hills. The dam of Sathanur can be reached by road 30 kilometres from Thiruvannamalai Town. The dam was constructed in 1958. At present 371 number of Marsh crocodiles (crocodilus palustris) are there in the farm. The entrance fee for each individual is Rs.0.50 (fifty paise). The visiting hours fixed is 6AM to 6PM in all weekly days.The crocodiles are being fed with 140 kgs of beef for 2 days and 100kgs of fish for 2 days in every week. Children’s park and toilet facilities are also available in the premises of the crocodile farm. TTDC Hotel accommodation available at Sathanur dam area.

2. Parvathamalai Temple Located inside the Reserved Forests

Parvathamalai temple is located inside the Parvathamalai Reserved Forest, Kanchi Section of Pudhupalayam Range. Parvathamalai is located at Thenmathimangalam village which is about 20 km off Polur. Polur is some 35 km north of Thiruvannamalai. Kadaladi which is about 25Kms north of Thiruvannamalai is another route to reach the base of the hill. There's a very powerful Lord temple at the top of the Parvathamalai hill. Devas and spiritual beings from other lokas worship here every night. This is a place visited by numerous Siddhas for Shiva worship. During the Pournami full moon, this hill attracts a lot of devotees. Atop the hill are a Shiva temple apparently 2000 years old and an Ashram which is quite recently constructed. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy.

SOCIAL FORESTRY DIVISION, VELLORE

Social Forestry Project was introduced with effect from 1.4.1981 in accordance with G.O.M.S.No.1307, Dated 9.11.1981 of Government of TamilNadu. The Maintenance and Management of Plantation raised outside Reserve Forest under Farm Forestry and Extension Forestry schemes from 1960-61 and 1973-74 respectively were merged with Social Forestry project. This division was on functioning as Extension Division from 1973 and later on renamed as Social Forestry in 1981. From 97-98 TAP work is being implemented by this Division. And also TBGP scheme would be implemented from 2011-2012 to 2017-2018.

ADMINISTRATIVE SETUP

This division spread over in Vellore, Gudiyatham, Thirupattur, Vaniyambadin and consists of five Social Forestry Ranges in this Division.

Sl. No. Name of Range Head quarters Taluk 1. Vellore Vellore Vellore 2. Arakkonam Walaja 3. Gudiyatham Gudiyatham Gudiyatham 4. Thirupattur Thirupattur Thirupattur 5. Vaniyambadi Vaniyambadi