The Madras High Court today ordered issue of notice to Chief Conservator of Forests seeking reply within two weeks on a plea to take steps for protecting the grizzled squirrel sanctuary at Sathuragiri Hills by demolishing encroachments and shutting unauthorised pathways.
The petitioner M S Murugan, a PIL activist, submitted as per rule, all the pilgirms to the Sathuragiri Sundara Mahalingam temple should use only thaniparai pathway. But many of them were using six other pathways and littering the way near the sanctuary. Illegal mining of sand was also conducted in the area besides poaching.
The 485 Sqkm sanctuary is one of the best preserved forests. Ten species of amphibians, king cobra, 56 species of butter flies, lion tailed macaues, langur, sloth bear, spotted deer, tree shrews, wild boar, are in the forsts.
The temple was visited by the pilgrims during full moon days and new moon days.
The illegal sand mining had led to degradation of rivers in the sanctuary. Hundreds of animals were killed every year due to littering of plastic bags with food.
He submitted that 30 unauthorised buildings had been constructed in the area in villation of Forest Act. Though he gave representation to the officials, they had not removed the unauthorised buildings, he submitted.
Justice S Tamilvanan and Justice V S Ravi ordered issue of notice to the Chief Conservator of Forests, seeking his reply within two weeks.
