MADURAI: Nestled in the downhill of Tiruparankundram, lies the temple garden spread over more than 15 acres. This area is more than just a garden. For all the peacocks found in this region, the temple garden is said to be their perfect abode. The bio-diversity co-ordination meeting held at the district collectorate recently suggested the place to be converted as a community reserve for peacocks, and the forest department has sought a no objection certificate (NOC) from the temple authorities to go ahead with the proposal. If the proposal is approved by the temple authorities, the Tiruparankundram temple garden will become the first community reserve in the state, according to forest department officials.
The proposed community reserve falls in the temple garden of Thenparankundram (Southern side of Tiruparankundram) adjacent to the Rock Cut temple. Along with hundreds of peacocks, which have made the garden as their home, the area is also preserved in its natural form thus providing shelter to monkeys, mongooses and a large number of snakes. White peacocks found amidst the ordinary variety are a special attraction in the garden.
Though the peacocks have chosen the garden as their abode, the majestic birds always lead an insecure life as stray dogs roaming in and around Thenparankundram area turn out to be their predators by poaching on the eggs and young chicks. Arumugam, who guards the temple garden, says that the dogs stray into the area through the barbed fence and roam around at will.
"Few years back, we used to observe 50 chicks during every season, but the number has come down to nearly 10 during the last five years after stray dogs increased rapidly in the area. The stray dogs should be kept away from the garden and the construction of a compound wall will greatly help in this regard," he said.
Officials said that the present Seemai Karuvelam trees in the garden should be replaced with other natural tree species that can provide food for the birds. "The temple management has created artificial water holes in the garden for the birds. The community reserve, once operational, can attract Central government funds and will help in strengthening the natural habitat for the birds," an official said.
District forest officer, R K Jegania said that if the community reserve comes up in Tiruparankundram it will be the first-of-its-kind in the state. Community reserves are formed under Section 36 of the Wildlife Protection Act if the land belonged to private parties. As the proposed land belongs to the Tiruparankundram temple, they have sought an NOC from the temple authorities.
"Once the status of community reserve is sanctioned by the state government, Central funding can be obtained for the development of the reserve like improving the habitat for peacocks and conservation measures," he said.
Temple executive officer, R Senthil Velavan said that they have submitted few clarifications in the proposal regarding ownership, accessibility, required land area etc. After they get the reply to the clarifications, the proposal will be submitted to the commissioner of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department for approval. "We have not objected to the proposal but submitted a few clarifications in this regard," he said.
