Tue Jan 07 14:24:45 UTC 2025: ## BJP Demands Revision of Anamalai Tiger Reserve Eco-Sensitive Zone Plan
**COIMBATORE, January 7, 2025** – The Tamil Nadu BJP has called for a revision of the proposed eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, citing concerns raised by Valparai residents. State BJP president K. Annamalai stated that the current draft, released by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, unfairly impacts the town and surrounding areas, encompassing the main Pollachi-Valparai road, tea estates, and tribal hamlets.
Annamalai highlighted that the opinions of Valparai residents and local authorities, including the Valparai Municipality and Coimbatore District Collector, were not considered during the initial notification of the ESZ in 2007 and 2012. He also criticized a 2021 checkpoint established in Valparai, attributing it to a decline in tourism and impacting the livelihoods of local residents. The proposed ESZ, he argued, would further restrict activities and exacerbate existing problems, evidenced by public protests during gram sabha meetings.
The Anamalai Tiger Reserve, spanning 1,479.87 sq. km., has a core area of 958.59 sq. km., though tiger activity is largely concentrated in 20% of the area around Valparai and Top Slip. Annamalai urged the Tamil Nadu government to submit a revised plan that addresses the concerns of the affected communities.
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