Date:17/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/17/stories/2008121760311000.htm

Tamil Nadu

Development works begin at Topslip

P. Oppili

Expected to cost Rs.1.07 crore, they will be funded by the Centre

BETTER AMENITIES: Construction of a visitors’ dining hall in progress at Topslip.

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

The works, expected to cost Rs.1.07 crore, will be funded by the Tourism Department, Government of India. In fact, the department has allocated Rs.1.80 crore for executing various works in the reserve, say officials.

Every year, a small sum is allocated for minor repairs to the guesthouses, but a major work of this kind is being executed after nearly 10 years, say the officials.

The renovation will cost Rs.30 lakh.

Water supply is a major problem during the dry season. Water has to be supplied to the guesthouses, residential quarters, the elephant training camp at Kozhikamuthi and the tribal settlement at Erumappaarai.

A plan has been drawn up to pump water from the entry point of the Sarcarpathy tunnel and to Topslip and the elephant training camp. “The water supply scheme will use the latest technology. The Union Tourism Department has allocated Rs.50 lakh,” says a senior official. Pipes have to be laid for a distance of five km.

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