Date:05/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/05/stories/2007060515230200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Two views on forest extension centre

P. Oppili

Section of environmentalists oppose it as it involves clearing trees at Nanmangalam

FACING OPPOSITION: An view of the Nanmangalam Reserve Forest area, where research extension activities are planned to be carried out. — Photo: A. Muralitharan

CHENNAI: The Forest Department and environmentalists are not seeing eye to eye on a proposal to set up an extension centre in Nanmangalam.

The centre to educate farmers on raising economically viable timber species is proposed on 100 ha, according to P.Subramanian, Chief Conservator of Forests (Extension).

A large number of eucalyptus trees are found there. Using the eucalyptus as a cover many people illegally mine sand from the area, said Mr Subramanian.

The department would raise indigenous tree species in five to 10-acre model plots on the site. The centre would provide agro-forestry models of economically viable species. The farmers could emulate this model to earn higher income, Mr. Subramanian said.

However, a section of environmentalists were opposing the extension centre as it involves clearing trees at Nanmangalam.

K.V.R.K. Thirunaranan of The Nature Trust said the Nanmangalam Reserve Forest was home to variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and insects besides medicinal plants.

Clearing the area would disturb the topsoil, which would affect the tropical dry evergreen forest vegetation of Nanmangalam, he said.

The officials on their part said clearing the area would pre-empt the attempts of those indulging in forest-related offences.