Company Name : Environxchange.com Source : The Hindu

TIRUCHI:

With the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests releasing Rs. 90 lakh as first instalment for the establishment of Elephant Rehabilitation and Rescue Centre near Tiruchi, estimates are being prepared to carry out various works proposed to be taken up inside it. A first of its kind in the State, the facility will come up on 20 hectares at a cost of Rs. 1.25 crore at M.R. Palayam, a few kilometres from the city, where a zoological park is also coming up, along the Tiruchi-Chennai stretch of the National Highway.

The Union Ministry had recently accorded administrative approval for setting up the centre and sanctioned funds under the Centrally-sponsored scheme, Project Elephant Tamil Nadu, specifying the quantum of funds allocated for various works.

Chennai meeting

At a high-level meeting held in Chennai recently, officials of the Forest Department gave necessary instructions and outlined the type of works that needed to be taken up in the order of priority for the establishment of the rescue centre. Specifications were given for construction of an elephant shelter, kitchen, feeding area, fodder plot, ramp and formation of path inside the centre. The works are expected to begin shortly.

Elephants that are orphaned / rescued from the wild as well as those found in illegal possession of private parties would be accommodated at the centre, forest officials said.

Zoo visit

The department officials in Tiruchi have been instructed to visit the Arignar Anna Zoological Park at Vandalur near Chennai to familiarise themselves on rearing of elephants, purchase of accessories and design of the elephant shelter.

Construction of a compound wall around the centre would be the first work to be carried out as was the case in the zoo being set up at M.R. Palayam, officials said. The centre will also have a veterinary unit to treat elephants and quarters to accommodate the staff.

Saplings of various tree species including ‘poovarasu,' ‘malai poovarasu,' sisoo, bamboo, ‘vagai' and ‘arasu' are proposed to be planted along the boundary and on either sides of the walking path. Two ponds would be dug inside the centre where a borewell would be sunk to pump water.