ANAMALAI RESERVE –

ABOUT CIRCLE:

is the 29th and one of the four Tiger Reserves in TamilNadu. It forms part of the Southern .

 It lies South of the gap in the Southern Western Ghats. The extent of the Tiger Reserve as per notification by Government of is Core Area 958.59 sq.km, Buffer Area 521.28 sq.km.

 ATR is located geographically between the longitudes 76 49.3’ and 77 21.4’E and latitudes 10 13.2’ and 10 33.3 N.

 Anamalai Tiger Reserve was originally a territorial division known as South Forest division which was declared as wildlife sanctuary in 1976.

 108 sq.km. area of Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary declared as National Park as per G.O. Ms. No. 58, E&F (FR V) dept. dt. 23.01.1989.

 It forms part of the Anamalai Parambikulam Reserve declared in 2003.

 The Wildlife sanctuary was declared as Tiger Reserve in April 2007 and declared as a critical Tiger habitat in December 2007.

 There are Two Forest Divisions with Head Quarters at Udumalpet and Pollachi which were formed in April 2010 and November 2010 respectively.

 Tiger Conservation Foundation has been established in March 2010 as per Wildlife Protection Act 1972, Section 38X.

 The Steering Committee of the Foundation has been Constituted in February 2008.

 The Governing Body of the Foundation Originally Constituted in September 2008 has been reconstituted in September 2015-2016

 The Executive Committee of the Foundation originally Constituted in September 2008 has been reconstituted in February 2016.

 As per G.O.Ms. No. 199, E&F (FR V) dept. dt. 13.08.2012, a combined notification for Core and Buffer Zone of Anamalai Tiger Reserve has been issued as follows:

1) Critical Tiger Habitat (Core Zone) - 958.59 sq.km. 2) Buffer Zone - 521.28 sq.km. Total -1479.87 sq.km.  In accordance with the comprehensive guidelines for Tiger Conservation and Eco Tourism notified by the Government tourism areas in Anamalai Tiger Reserve has been identified and report furnished to PCCF in September 2012.

 As per the Tourism Guidelines Local Advisory Committee of Anamalai Tiger Reserve was constituted by the in November 2012. So far, two meetings of the Local Advisory Committee have been conducted.  Tiger Conservation plan for Anamalai Tiger Reserve for the period from 2014-15 to 2023-24, has been approved by the National Tiger Conservation Authority in March 2015.

 Tourism plan for Anamalai Tiger Reserve prepared as part of the Tiger Conservation plan has been approved by the Local Advisory Committee also.

 Anamalai Tiger Reserve falls in four revenue taluks namely; Pollachi, in and Udumalpet in District and taluk in District in the State of TamilNadu.

 Grass Hills in Valparai Range and Karian in Ulandy Range are two of the 39 Serial Sites of Western Ghats included in the World Heritage Site List in the year 2012.

IMPORTANT TOURIST SPOTS: Grass Hills Karian Shola

Grass Hills

Distance From Coimbatore: Tiruppur Division:

 Thirumoorthy Temple – - 45 km and 20km from Udumalpet.

 Crocodile Form – Amaravathy – 96 km and 28km from Udumalpet.

 Punganodai View Point – 83km and 15 km from Udumalpet.

 Kattalai Mariamman Temple at Kodanthur – 96 km and 28 km from Udumalpet.

Pollachi Division:

 TopSlip - 76 kms and 36 km from Pollachi.  Chinnakallar – 120 km and 75 km from Pollachi.  - 64 km and 24 km from Pollachi. (Outside Tiger Reserve)  Nirar Dam – 120 km and 80 km from Pollachi. (Under the Control of PWD)  - 125 km and 85 km from Pollachi. (Under the Control of PWD)  Nallamudi – Pooncholai view point - 135 km and 30 km from Valparai.  – 64 km and 24 km from Pollachi. Tour Route Map from Coimbatore:

Pollachi is a beautiful place located in the Coimbatore Rural District of the Tamil Nadu. As per the area it is considered as the second largest town in the District after Corporation of Coimbatore. The tourists from different parts of come here to explore the pleasant climate prevailing throughout the year. As far as the centre of attractions is concerned it is known for its markets, especially for , fresh vegetables and cattle. The Coconut Market in Pollachi is a Asia's largest of its kind. The central part of gets the major part of the vegetables from Pollachi. In addition to that the cattle market of Pollachi is the biggest of its kind in southern India.

1.3 PROTECTION

 Anamalai Tiger Reserve falls in the revenue districts of Coimbatore, Tiruppur and Dindigul districts

 Effective protection measures are under taken to protect the Tiger and its co predators and other wild animals.

 The major problem faced in the Tiger Reserve is the operation of interstate Sandalwood smugglers, Ganja cultivators, Poachers, etc., These problems are being effectively tackled through functioning of 37 Anti-Poaching Camps located in the interior and vulnerable areas.

 Floating camps have been formed to monitor the movement of Anti-social elements, poachers, smugglers, etc.,.

 To tackle problems like Human Wildlife Conflicts, Forest Fires, etc., Disaster Management Centres have been established in Valparai and Chinnar.

 Two Toll free numbers one at Pollachi (04259-232525) and another at Iyerpadi (04253-223222) have been installed to receive information from the public regarding man animal conflicts, fire and about movement of smugglers.

 Wireless communication network has been strengthened by installing new sets and posting personnel at each wireless stations.

Tribal upliftment in Anamalai Tiger Reserve:

 There are Six Tribal Communities (VIZ) Malasar, Malaimalasar, Kadar, Muduvar, Pulayar and Eravalar with the population of nearly 6000 living in 35 Settlements.  The Tribal have been involved in all the aspects of administration.  There is a Tribal residential School functioning at Topslip with the students strength of 82 (47 boys, 35 girls) from standard 1 to 8th. All basic facilities are provided to the Students.

Visit of Former PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to Tribal Students on the occasion of Children’s Topslip in Oct 1961 Day on 14.11.2016 at Topslip

Elephant Camp at Kozhikamuthi:

 A Departmental Elephant Camp with 24 (one Calf elephant received from Karamadai Range of and one Kumki namely Pari return back to Anamalai Tiger Reserve from Sadivayal Elephant Camp of Coimbatore Division.) functioning at Kozhikamuthi in Ulandy Range. The Services of the Elephants are utilized for joy ride, patrolling, and for Kumki operations.

Crocodile Farm at Amaravathy:

 There are 101 crocodiles at present maintained at the Amaravathy Crocodile farm for conservation of rare species, education and tourist purpose. At present, fish and beef are supplied to the Crocodiles as feeding items. While fish is being supplied by Tamil Nadu Fisheries Development Corporation, beef is procured through open tender system. This is one of the important Tourists attractions in Tiruppur division.

3. Forest Types in Anamalai Tiger Reserve

In Anamalai Tiger Reserve, there are five forest types as follows

1. Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest 2. Semi Evergreen Forest 3. Grass Land Vegetation 4. Moist Deciduous Forest 5. Montane Green Shola Forest

I. WILD ANIMALS AND BIRDS:

II. FLORA

III. Orchid:

IV. Note on H.F.A. Hugo Wood – The Pioneer in Raising

Teak Plantation in Anamalais has been attempted since 1856. Teak planting as a regular measure was started under Mr. Wood’s working plan in 1919.

Between 1912-1915 an area of about 45.33 ha. Was clear felled and planted with teak and Rosewood by Fischer near Topslip. Hugo Wood, who succeeded Fischer, carried out experiments on artificial regeneration of teak near Mount Stuart and Ulandy Valley in 1916 and 1917.

The Topslip – Parambikulam plateau was a fine natural teak forest. When the British rulers discovered its potential in the 18th Century, they set in motion indiscriminate exploitation of teak for military needs in the 19th Century. When teak supplies dwindled and its prices increased, a special officer was appointed to investigate and report. He reported that the Mount Stuart Block in Topslip had an abundant supply of teak and recommended its speedy exploitation. When the control of the area reverted to Civil administration in 1853, the Officers in charge concerned at the poor rate of regeneration started experimenting on artificial regeneration. None succeeded. Like H.F.A. Hugo Wood, who took over as Forest Officer of the District at the turn on the century, refused to be discouraged by his predecessor’s lack of success and continued with his experiments. The site he chose was the Ulandy valley near Topslip, where he had a bungalow called ‘Mount Stuart’ or ‘Glass bungalow’. This has been renovated recently. Wood came to the conclusion that drop from trees overhead was inimical to the growth of seedlings below. He proved that teak could be raised successfully and at a reasonable cost. Provided it is raised as a plantation after the existing forest is cleared and burnt. Cultivation practices such as dibbling and weeding are adopted. Wood died in Ootacamund () in the year 1933 and as per his wish his body was brought to Topslip and buried at the place close to where his bungalow stood. His 1916 plantation has been left to stand as a living memorial to his memory. The Latin inscription on his grave says did not need much encouragement for his successors to follow his example and convert this sea of wild teak into orderly rows of hand raised teak.

Mr. Wood was in charge of Coimbatore South Division from September 1915 and in

1917 when he was appointed as Working Plan Officer to carry out the preparation of Working Plan Report for Mount Stuart Forests, in addition to his other duty. The then Board of Revenue commended Mr. Wood – for the ability and thoroughness with which he has compiled this useful plan.

Homage to Hugo Wood

H.F.A. Hugo Wood – The Forest Officer who loved Anamalais remembered on his Death Anniversary

Hugo Francis Andrew Wood was born on 12.06.1870 in United Kingdom. He under went training for Imperial Forest Service at Royal Indian Engineering College at Cooper’s Hill between 1891 – 1893. His other colleagues in the training college were H.A. Latham, Stephen Cox and H. Tireman. After completion of training he joined as Assistant Conservator of Forests in the on 20.11.1893.

Mr. Wood became Deputy Conservator of Forests on 27.06.1900. In the early part of his career he worked as District Forest Officer, Kurnool west Division. (Now in Andra Pradesh) Later he joined as District Forest Officer, Coimbatore South Division in September 1915. He was the pioneer to introduce Teak in the Anamalais, where he carried out with his experiments in raising Teak Plantations. The site he chose was the Mount Stuart Block near Topslip, where he had a bungalow called Mount Stuart Bungalow.

While working as District Forest Officer, Coimbatore South Division, Mr. Wood wrote the working plan for Mount Stuart Forest in the year 1919, which was in operation for 10 years. Mr. Wood’s knowledge of these forests and his special experience in that line of work is equally extensive. Mr. Wood retired in the grade of Conservator of Forests, in 1925 and settled in Ootacamund. He remained a bachelor throughout his life. He died in Ootacamund on 12.12.1933. At his own request Mr. Wood was laid to rest among the Teak Plantations he raised in Anamalais. His last rites were performed by Mr. M.C.D. Currie the then District Forest Officer, Coimbatore South Division.

Mr. Wood’s interest in the work of the department was dedicated and unflagging. The early teak plantations raised by him near the Mount Stuart forest bungalow encircle his grave even today.

The Green memorial (1916 Teak Plantation) has completed 100 years of establishment in 2016 and it speaks for his professional commitments and Competence.

Every year on December 12, being the date of his passing away forest staff pay homage to the illustrious forest officer who took great interest in writing the working plan of Mt.Stuarts Forest and spent most of the time he took it in hand in the forest itself. A memorial is proposed to be erected in memory of the great forester of yester years.

60 YEARS OF TRIBAL EDUCATION IN ANAMALAIS

TRIBAL RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL AT TOPSLIP

Tribals have been part and parcel of the Eco System of Anamalais from time immemorial. Several Welfare measures have been taken up for the tribals of Anamalais since the days of British Administration to date. One of the ameliorative steps taken was to provide basic education to the children of tribals in the region. With this noble thought in view a tribal school was opened at Sungam (now in Kerala) in Coimbatore South Division in 1951 in the then composite Madras Presidency for educating the children of hill Tribes in the Division. 40 Children joined the school, a hostel was attached to the school and students were provided with free boarding and free supply of books and dress.

A committee including two non-official members was constituted to advice the department for managing the school during 1955-56. In addition to the regular education, the children were also given Training in handicrafts like basket making etc.

Later, on account of reorganization of states, the school was shifted on 1st October

1956 from Sungam in to Mount Stuart in Coimbtore District. The tribal school was then shifted to Anaigundhi in the year 1959, when the school was declared open by the then Governor of Madras Thiru. Bishnu Ram Medhi on 28.05.1959. A Radio was installed for recreation in the premises which proved very popular among the tribals.

The students were well looked after by the teacher who was also the hostel warden. There were 5 classes. The school was periodically inspected by the forest officials and educational authorities.

The school was approved as a Primary School in the year 1963. The tribal school was later shifted to Varagaliar Elephant Camp with effect from 11.07.1970 and subsequently shifted to Topslip on 02.06.1986, where it started functioning in the existing old building.

During 1992-93 a new school building was constructed and the school moved into the new premises on 15.06.1993.

As per G.O. Ms. No. 113 School Educational 20.08.2004 & G.O.Ms. No. 126 E&F dt.

29.07.2005, the school has been upgraded into Middle School with classes up to VIII Standard and sanction was accorded for the employment of one B.Ed., Teacher and for provision of infrastructure.

Since then the school has improved in leaps and bounds with the provision of various facilities under different schemes. Now the students are provided with food as per enhanced rate of Rs. 650/- per month per student.

Anamalai Tiger Reserve has taken a new initiative to introduce e-learning in the

Tribal School at Topslip, Pollachi with the help of NGO (Wild wing trust) and Vidyaloka

In this collaborative program, a Digital class room facility has been set up in Topslip

Tribal School along with SKYPE connectivity and Video Conferencing Facility for Children of

6th, 7th and 8th Std. Under this program Children are being tutored in English, Mathematics and Science subjects. This has been initiated for a continued quality education for the Tribal Children of Anamalai Tiger Reserve.

Tribal students have also been given an exposure to outside world by arranging tours to Kochi and Bengaluru. Every year Children’s day is celebrated in the School on 14th November. The late Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru visited Topslip on 07.10.1961 to mark the occasion of inauguration of Parambikulam Aliyar Project. He took a photograph with the children of Tribal School along with the then Conservator of Forests Thiru. K. Andiappan, I.F.S., during the late Prime Minister’s visit

Due to the various development measures taken over the years the dropout rate has been considerably reduced. Now the school has a strength of 80 students (46 boys and 34 girls) from standard I to VIII.

As the school started functioning in our state with effect from 01.10.1956 after reorganization of States on linguistic basis, this year marks the Diamond Jubilee year of the school at Topslip.

Photo showing Nehru's Visit to Topslip, 1961

V:Map:

VII SPECIAL DETAILS:

1.ELEPHANT DAY

2. LEOPARD RESCUE:

Capture and release of leopard

A leopard moving around Perumalkaradu area near Sethumadai in Pollachi Range has created panic among the local people. Camera traps were fixed at places where sighting was done by local people and where pugmark was seen. Based on the camera trap pictures a cage was placed to capture the leopard. The leopard was trapped and released deep inside the jungle, avoiding a possible Man-Animal Conflict situation.

3 ELEPHANT :

4.RALLY ON INTERNATIONAL TIGER DAY:

Sd.∕-V.Ganesan, Chief Conservator of Forests and Field Director, Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Pollachi.