TIRUNELVELI: As a token of recognising measures being taken to preserve the forest wealth within Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest has given administrative sanction for releasing funds to the tune of Rs.2.04 crores during current fiscal to take more steps to protect the sanctuary, which houses 29 tigers and lion-tailed macaques, besides other animals and rare medicinal plants.

The recurring cost of the scheme, Rs.1.11 crore, will be shared equally by the Centre and State Government. The remaining Rs.93.24 lakh, being non-recurring cost of the scheme, will be treated as 100 per cent Central assistance. The first instalment of Rs.90 lakhs will be released to the State shortly, and the balance in due course, after a review of the works undertaken.

The ministry has given guidelines under various heads to spend the amount and no deviation would be allowed without prior concurrence of the Centre. The Chief Wildlife Warden and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest of the State Government would have to ensure that works were undertaken in accordance with the management plans and the Annual Plan of Operation (APO) through periodical field inspections, official sources said.

As per the APO, Rs.18.24 lakhs would be spent for — procuring 14 wireless sets for anti-poaching camps (Rs.2.24 lakhs), jungle gear for 60 persons (Rs.3 lakhs), arms and ammunition (Rs.3 lakhs), construction of Deputy Director's Office at Ambasamudram (Rs.8 lakhs) and prophylactic immunisation of peripheral livestock (Rs.2 lakhs) under the non-recurring heads.

Fire-line

Under the recurring heads, a fire-line would be created and maintained for 385 km and 80 firewatchers would be deployed for six months. Two watchtowers and water storage facilities would be constructed, and as many fire fighting units stationed inside the forest. On the eco-development front, Rs.50 lakhs will be spent for rehabilitation of forest dependents and ensuring proper functioning of village forest committees.