Tamil Nadu Expands Protected Forest Areas to Enhance Biodiversity

Significant Expansion of Reserved Forests in Tamil Nadu

Chennai, Jan 10: In a significant initiative aimed at bolstering ecological conservation and climate resilience, the Tamil Nadu government has designated 100 forest blocks as Reserved Forests (RF) over the past four years, thereby greatly increasing the state's legally protected green areas.

This initiative, which took place from 2021 to 2025, demonstrates a consistent commitment to preserving biodiversity-rich regions, ensuring wildlife corridors, and protecting vital ecosystems from ongoing environmental challenges.

As per the data shared by Forest Minister R.S. Raja Kannappan, these recent notifications have contributed approximately 135 square kilometers to the reserved forest area, raising it from 26,450 square kilometers to 26,585 square kilometers.

The newly designated forest blocks cover 13,494.95 hectares across ten districts, including Dindigul, Dharmapuri, Madurai, Kallakurichi, Theni, Sivaganga, Namakkal, the Nilgiris, Salem, and Tenkasi.

Among these, the Highways Forest Block in Theni district, which spans 2,836.33 hectares, stands out as the largest addition.

Officials emphasized that this notification highlights the government's focus on safeguarding ecologically sensitive areas that are crucial for maintaining habitat continuity and climate stability.

In the Nilgiris, forest officials pointed out the significance of the newly designated blocks in enhancing wildlife connectivity.

Vengatesh Prabhu, Divisional Forest Officer (Gudalur), noted that the Cherumulli forest block is adjacent to the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, while the Yellamalai forest block is near the Mukurthi National Park.

He stated that designating these areas as RF would bolster biodiversity conservation, improve forest fire management, and ensure long-term habitat protection in some of the state's most diverse ecosystems.

Prabhu also mentioned that many of the newly designated lands were previously classified as janmam reserve lands. A special committee established by the state government is actively identifying ecologically significant areas for rapid notification.

"Seven to eight additional proposals, covering around 100 hectares, have already been submitted to the government," he added.

The notification of forest lands in the Megamalai region has garnered particular interest from conservationists. Officials indicated that the Highways Forest Block and its adjacent extensions are part of the Megamalai–Srivilliputhur landscape, a crucial segment of the southern Western Ghats known for its high levels of endemism and the movement of elephants, tigers, and other wildlife.

The newly designated blocks are anticipated to serve as buffer and connectivity zones, aiding in the reduction of fragmentation and managing land-use pressures.

In Dindigul, the process has resolved long-standing disputes that had delayed notifications for years. Divisional Forest Officer Naga Satish mentioned that several forest blocks had remained unnotified for nearly two decades due to boundary uncertainties.

"A comprehensive survey was necessary, as some of these areas are critical habitats, including for the slender loris," he stated.

Senior officials emphasized that each notification adhered to a stringent legal process under Section 16 of the Tamil Nadu Forest Act, 1882.

By granting permanent legal recognition to these forests, the state aims to secure wildlife habitats, protect watersheds, enhance carbon sequestration, and reinforce forests as essential long-term ecological infrastructure vital for biodiversity, water security, and climate resilience.