Date:08/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/08/stories/2008120854980500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Development works begin at Topslip

P. Oppili

They are expected to cost Rs.1.07 cr.
Four eco-tourism trekking sheds coming up

CHENNAI: Development works, including renovation of guesthouses, construction of an interpretation centre and augmentation of water supply, have been started at Topslip in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, earlier known as the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park.

The works are expected to cost Rs.1.07 crore. The funds will be provided by the Union government’s Tourism Department. In fact, the Department has allocated Rs.1.80 crore for executing various works in the reserve, officials said.

The officials said that every year a small sum was allocated for minor repairs to the guesthouses, but a major work of this kind was being executed after nearly 10 years.

Water supply is a major problem during the dry season. Water has to be supplied to the guesthouses, the residential quarters, the elephant training camp at Kozhikamuthi and the tribal settlement at Erumappaarai. So a plan has been drawn up to pump water from the Sarcarpathy tunnel entry point and convey it to the Topslip and the elephant training camp. “The water supply scheme will use the latest technology, and the Union Tourism Department has allocated Rs.50 lakh,” said a senior official. Pipes had to be laid for a distance of five km, he said.

Four new eco-tourism trekking sheds, an interpretation centre at a cost of Rs. 20 lakh and a Rs. 7-lakh dining hall at the Topslip were some of the other works, he said.