Forest Fire & Littering Threaten Tiger Reserve Buffer Zone

An awareness campaign aimed at preventing forest fires and reducing plastic and liquor bottle waste was held at Bokkapuram Temple on Sunday. The initiative was organized by the Eco-Voice Trust, a conservation group operating in The Nilgiris.

This temple is located within the buffer zone of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and is part of an ancient elephant corridor, highlighting its ecological significance. The campaign focused on educating the public about crucial conservation practices.

Representatives from Eco Voice Trust engaged with visitors, emphasizing the importance of avoiding plastic use and preventing littering, particularly liquor bottles, within the forest. Banners with environmental messages were also placed around the temple grounds.

The trust noted that despite The Nilgiris being a plastic-prohibited area, plastic waste was observed. Concerns were also raised about liquor consumption and smoking near temple shops. For future festivals, the Eco-Trust has recommended that the temple committee enforce strict restrictions on plastic use, liquor, and smoking.

They stressed the need for robust monitoring and preventive measures to safeguard this vital landscape.