Greens see red: Tasmac open, why not bird sanctuaries?

Chennai

According to Forest department sources, Point Calimere, Vedanthangal, Pulicat, Muthupet, Koonthankulam bird sanctuaries are brimming with migratory birds but no visitors due to eight-month-long lockdown. Similarly, the weather at State’s four tiger reserves are encouraging but no tourism activities are happening due to the lockdown restrictions.

“The State government fails to understand that national parks and bird sanctuaries are safer than cinema theatres and religious places due to ventilation and less biotic pressure. The number of footfall into the bird sanctuaries and tiger reserves are very minimal when compared to Tasmac bars and theatres,” said a Forest department insider, fuming that Karnataka and Kerala have opened the wildlife reserves for tourists.

“When the State can open Tasmac bars and cinema theatres, the idea behind keeping the sanctuaries closed is funny,” said another Forest official confirming that the State is ducking on the plea from Wildlife officials seeking permission to reopen the sanctuaries closed since March.

“A lot of tribal population and part-time workers depending on wildlife tourism are badly hit and the Deepavali and New Year holidays have failed to economically revive them. The only hope now is the Pongal holidays,” the official noted.

When contacted, principal chief conservator of forests and chief wildlife warden Syed Muzammil Abbas said the forest department has written to the State again based on the fresh notifications issued on December 31. “We are hoping for the relaxation orders at the earliest,” the top official said.