2

Preface The High Ranges was a fascination for the visitors from colonial ages, which

ultimately resulted in plantation agriculture in the area in early 1900. The colonial

planters, who were also keen hunters, managed the day present Eravikulam National

Park as a game preserve. By the imperatives of land reforms, the Government of Kerala

took over the land in 1971. The faunal and floral value of the unique mountain shola

grassland ecosystem culminated in the declaration of the area as a sanctuary in the year

1975 and as the first National Park of Kerala in 1978.

The unique piece of least disturbed shola grassland holds the largest viable

population of endemic and endangered Nilgiri tahr in the world along with the rich and

unique floral and faunal wealth. The area receiving high rainfall is hydrologically

important for the local dependents and those down stream in Kerala and Tamilnadu. The

periodic gregarious flowering of Neelakurunji in the mountain grass lands and the close

quarter sighting of the Nilgiri tahr popularised it as an important tourist destination in

the High Ranges.

The increased visitation to the Park, prevalence of illicit activities and the changes

in management policies lead to the introduction of eco development programs in the

Park. The management of the park and the massive inflow of visitors with the

participation of local dependents and NGOs and positive interference in the lively hood of

local people has created a successful model in PA management. The plan provide for

strengthening the eco development activities to conserve the unique shola grassland

ecosystem along with its rich floral and faunal wealth with focus on information

dissemination and awareness creation.

Various workshops involving forest officials, scientists, professionals and local

people were conducted for the preparation of this Plan. It is prepared as per the

guidelines of the Ministry of Environment and Forests and approved by the Chief Wildlife

Warden of the State. All the future management activities would be carried out only as

per the prescriptions of this approved Management Plan.

Munnar 15-03- 2012

P.U. Saju Wildlife Warden

Munnar Wildlife Division

3

Acknowledgement

I wish to express my deep gratitude to Sri Rajaraja Varma PCCF and HoFF, Sri. V.

Gopinathan IFS, P.C.C.F and the Chief Wildlife Warden, Sri. R.R.Shukla IFS, Addl. P.C.C.F,

Sri. K.V. Subramaniam IFS , Field Director (Project Tiger), Sri. O.P.Kaler IFS, CCF (Wildlife),

Palakkad and Sri. Bennichan Thomas IFS, C.C.F (HRC), who were very generous with their

valuable insights and guidance for the preparation of this Plan.

I am also thankful to A.P. Sunil Babu, D.F.O, Flying Squad, Punalur, Sri. Roy. P.

Thomas D.C.F (Vig.), Ms. K. Geetha, Dy. Director (Wildlife Education), N. Radhakrishnan ,

Dy. Director (Wildlife Education) and Dr. M. Balasubramaniam, Conservation Biologist,

Periyar Foundation, Dr. Veeramani, Ecologist, Periyar Foundation who were closely and

deeply associated with the preparation of the Plan.

A special word of thanks is due to the officials and various stakeholders who

participated in the meetings and workshops organised by the Forest Department and

enriched the Plan with their ideas and knowledge.

My acknowledgements would be incomplete without mentioning the contributions

of Sri. James Zacharias, Dr. P.S. Easa and Dr. Jomy Augustine at various stages of

preparation of the Plan. I extent my sincere thanks to all of them.

I also deeply acknowledge my gratitude to Sri. Aneesh C.P, Assistant Wildlife

warden, Eravikulam National Park and the field staff for their active involvement though

out the process of preparation of this Management Plan.

P.U. Saju Wildlife Warden,

Munnar Wildlife Division

4

CONTENTS

PART TITLE PAGES

PART- I THE PROTECTED AREA: THE EXISTING SITUATAION 8

CHAPTER - 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE AREA 9-20

1.1 Name, location, constitution and extent 10

1.2 Approach and access 10

1.3 Statement of significance 14

1.4 Values of the park 18

Flagship species in Eravikulam National Park 20

CHAPTER - 2 BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND ATTRIBUTES 21-37

2.1 Boundaries 22

2.2 Geology rock and soil 23

2.3 Terrain 24

2.4 Climate 24

2.5 Water sources 28

2.6 Range of wildlife, status, distribution and habitat 28

CHAPTER - 3 HISTORY OF MANAGEMENT AND PRESENT PRACTICES 38-67

3.1 General 39

3.2 Review of past management plans 40

3.3 Timber operation 42

3.4 Non wood forest produce collection 43

3.5 Leases 43

3.6 Other programmes and activities 43

3.7 Forest protection 48

3.8 Eco tourism 55

3.9 Research monitoring and training 58

3.10 Wildlife conservation strategies & evaluation 60

3.11 Administrative setup 60

3.12 Infrastructure facilities 61

3.13 Communication 64

3.14 Summary of threats to wildlife 64

CHAPTER – 4 THE PROTECTED AREA AND THE INTERFACE LAND USE SITUATION

68-75

4.1 The existing situation in the zone of influence 69

4.2 The development programme and conservation issues 73

PART- II PROPOSED MANAGEMENT 76

CHAPTER-5 PLAN OBJECTIVES AND PROBLEMS 78-85

5.1 Objectives of management 79

5

CHAPTER-6 STRATEGIES- BOUNDARIES, ZONATION, ZONE PLANS AND THEME PLANS

86-119

6.1 Boundaries 87

6.2 Zonation 88

6.3 Zone plans 89

6.3.1 Core zone 89

6.3.2 Buffer zone 91

6.3.3 Proposed additional area 92

6.3.4 Ecosensitive Zone 94

6.4 Theme plans 95

6.4.1 Theme plan for protection 95

6.4.2 Theme plan for fire protection 109

6.4.3 Theme plan of water resource management 118

CHAPTER-7 TOURISM, INTERPRETATION AND CONSERVATION EDUCATION

120-127

7.1 Strategies for environmental conservation awareness 122

7.2 Facilitating nature based regulated tourism 124

7.3 New eco tourism proposals 126

CHAPTER-8 ECO DEVELOMENT 128-134

8.1 Strategies 130

8.2 Activities 131

8.3 Regulating and control over grazing, fire wood and NTFP collection and transportation of goods through tourism zone

132

CHAPTER-9 RESEARCH, MONITORING AND TRAINING 135-139

9.1 Research 136

9.2 Monitoring 137

9.3 Training 138

9.4 Vaccination and health monitoring 138

9.5 Weather and vegetation monitoring 138

CHAPTER-10 ORGANISATION AND ADMINISTRATION 140-142

10.1 Structure 141

10.2 Responsibilities 141

CHAPTER-11 THE BUDGET 143-148

MAPS 1. Location map of Eravikulam National Park 11

2. Map of Eravikulam National Park 12

3. Toposheet of Eravikulam National Park 13

4. Eravikulam National Park ( Google earth map ) 15

5. Contoor map of Eravikulam National Park 25

6. Drainage map of Eravikulam National Park 29

7. Vegitation map of Eravikulam National Park 32

6

8. Census block map of Eravikulam National Park 46

9. Buildings in Eravikulam National Park 61

10. Tibal settlements in Eravikulam National Park 72

11. Management zones of Eravikulam National Park 90

12. Proposed additional area of Eravikulam National Park 93

13. Proposed reorganization plan 98

14. Prposed controlled burning regime 115

FIGURES 1. Nilgiri tahr 20

2. Neela Kurunji 20

3. Camera trap pictures 37

TABLES 1. Rainfall around Eravikulam National Park 26

2. Monthwise rainfall at Rajamala 2007-08 to 2009-10 26

3. Temperature 27

4. Details of EDC in Eravikulam National Park 44

5. Population of tahr in past census 45

6. Census block count 47

7. Population estimation of major mammals in the

forest of Kerala 47

8. Population estimation of Wild elephants in the

elephant reserve of Kerala 48

9. Details of hunting cases 2001 - 2010 50

10. Details of poaching cases 50

11. Details of illicit cutting of trees and transport of

sandal 2001-2010 51

12. Details of Ganja transportation cases 2001 - 2010 52

13. Details of fire incidents 2001 - 2011 53

14. Visitors and income details 56

15. Visitors details – Rajamala and Lakkom 2004-05 to

2010-11 57

16. Monthwise visitors and income – Rajamala 2010 -

2011 57

17. Monthwise visitors and income at Lakkom 2010-11 58

18. Details of Nature Camps 58

19. Staff strength in Eravikulam National Park 60

20. Buildings in Eravikulam National Park 62

21. Details of trekpath 63

22. Details of settlements 71

23. List of trekpath in Eravikulam National Park 105

24. Staff strength proposed in Eravikulam National Park 107

25. List of fireline in Eravikulam National Park 111

7

ANNEXURES Annexure- 1

Sanctuary Notification 149-150

Annexure- 2

National Park Notification 151-153

Annexure- 3

Chattamunnar Forest Station Notification 154-156

Annexure- 4

Rajamala Check Post Notification 157

Annexure- 5

Check list of the plants of the Grass lands in Eravikulam National Park

158-172

Check list of pteridophytes 166

Check list of Bryophytes (Mosses and Liverworts) 167

Check list of soil fungal flora of shola forests and grass lands 170

Annexure- 6

Check list of Mammals 173-174

Annexure- 7

Check list of Birds 175-177

Annexure- 8

Check list of Reptiles 178

Annexure- 9

Check list of Amphibians 179

Annexure- 10

Check list of Fishes 180

Annexure- 11

Check list of Butterflies 181-183

Annexure – 12

Control forms 184-197

Bibliography 198-205

8

PART - I THE PROTECTED AREA

THE EXISTING SITUATION

9

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION TO THE AREA

10

1.1. Name, location, constitution and extent

Eravikulam National Park is located in the High Ranges (Kannan Devan Hills) of

the Southern Western Ghats in the Devikulam Taluk of Idukki district, Kerala State

(Map.1, 2 and 3) between 10º 05' - 10º 20' N Latitude and 77º 0' - 77º 10' E Longitude.

Etymologically, Eravikulam denotes streams and pools.

The area, which was managed as a Game Preserve by the erstwhile Kanan Devan

Hills Produce Company through the High Range Game Association, was resumed by the

Government of Kerala in 1971 under the Kannan Devan Hill Produce (Resumption of

lands) Act 1971. Subsequently, as recommended in the Land Board Award (LB (A) 2-

5227/71 dt.29-3-1974), the Government of Kerala declared the area as Eravikulam-

Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary in 1975 for the protection of the highly endangered Nilgiri

tahr and its habitat (G.O No. 8907/FM/375/AD dated 31-03-1975 - annexure 1). It was

elevated to the status of a National Park in 1978 (G.O (MS) 142/78 dated 19-05-1978 -

annexure 2).

Eravikulam National Park is 97 km2 in extent and consisting mostly of high

altitude grasslands that are interspersed with sholas. The main body of the National Park

comprises of a high rolling plateau with a base elevation of about 2000 meters from mean

sea level. The Park is of undulating terrain and the highest peak is Anamudi (2695 m).

Three major types of plant communities are found in the Park- grasslands, shrub land and

shola forests. The high plateau and the hills rising above it are primarily covered by

grasslands. Shrub lands are seen along the bases of the cliffs. Shola forests are located in

the valleys and folds. Turner’s valley, which splits the Park roughly in half from northwest

to southeast, is the deepest.

1.2. Approach and access

The Park is accessible from Kochi (Kerala) and Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) airports,

which are located at about 148 km and 175 km respectively. Munnar, the nearest town

(13 km), is well connected by roads from Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The nearest railway

station in Kerala is Aluva (120 km) and Coimbatore (160 km) in Tamil Nadu.

11

Map. 1: Location map of Eravukulam National Park

12

Map.2 : Map of Eravikulam National Park

13

Map.3 : Topo sheet of Eravikulam National Park and adjoining PAs

14

The motorable roads inside the Park includes the one that passes through the southern

extremity, inside the tourism and awareness zone (Rajamala), to the Rajamallay tea estate

and the one in the Lakkom Muthuvakudy in the southern boundary which is connected to

Lakkom in the Munnar – Udumalpet road by a road that passes through the tea estate

owned by KDHP Company. All other movements inside the Park are on foot along trails

and footpaths.

1.3. Statement of Significance

The Park holds the largest viable population of the endangered Nilgiri tahr

(Nilagiritragus hylocrius) and is a famous habitat of Neelakurinji (Strobilanthus

kunthianum), which blooms once in 12 years. Apart from tahr, the Park is the abode of

other little known fauna such as Nilgiri marten (endemic), ruddy mongoose, small clawed

otter, dusky striped squirrel etc. The Anamudy peak area is also habitat of a unique frog

Roarchestes resplendens. The Park represents the largest and least disturbed stretch of

unique montane shola-grassland vegetation in the Western Ghats. Similar ecosystems like

Nilgiris, Anamalais and Palanis were severely manipulated to raise plantations. Even in

the High Ranges, the Tertian and Karimkulam plateau were planted up. The National Park

is regionally important as a catchment area for both east (tributaries of River Pambar)

and west (tributaries of Rivers Periyar and Chalakkudy) flowing rivers. Locally, it is

important for maintaining the climate and providing drinking water to the surrounding

estates and for irrigation in parts of Aanjanad Valley.

The highest peak in peninsular India, Anamudi (2695 m), is situated in this Park.

The sharp escarpments and cliffs on all sides of the Park make this area an isolated table

land that is responsible for the unique microclimate. The unsuitability of soil for

agriculture, inaccessibility and extreme climate has helped the land remain free from

human developmental onslaught. Although the area of the Park falls latitudinally in the

tropics, it exhibit extra tropical climate due to the altitudinal influence. This change in the

bioclimate and geological stability enhances the endemic values of the area. High

elevations of the Western Ghats are considered botanically rich areas in India. There are

many temperate species like Mahonia leschnaultti, Rhododendron arboreum, Gaultheria

fragrantissima, Berberis tinctoria etc., rare orchids like Brachycorythis wightii, Habenarea

flabelliformis etc.

15

Map.4 : Eravikulam National Park (Google earth image)

16

medicinal plants like Drosera peltata and wild varieties of cultivated plants like Piper

schmidtti and Elateria cardamomum which add to the conservation significance.

The cultural values of the Park are significant to the local and indigenous people,

especially the Muthuvans. They inhabit the fringes of the Park and have traditionally

been associated with the high country.

The Park is an example of institutionalized joint management as the long

established links, with the High Range Wildlife and Environment Preservation

Association (HRWEPA), who were earlier managing the Park as a Game Reserve, is still

vibrant. Eravikulam National Park is the prime attraction in Munnar, which has become

one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the whole of India. Its aesthetic

grandeur and the possibility of seeing the endangered Tahr at close quarters at

Rajamala and the water fall at Lakkom attract more than 5,00,000 visitors annually. The

Park, in continuity with the neighboring Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Anamudy Shola

National Park, Pampadum Shola National Park, Kurinjimala Sanctuary and Anamalai

tiger Reserve forms largest conservation landscapes in the Western Ghats. As the only

remaining viable island of shola – grassland complex, this Park provides ample

academic opportunities for studying the biodiversity of montane vegetation and the

ecologic riddles associated with the ecosystem. It can also serve as a field laboratory for

activities like conservation education, research and monitoring and participatory

management.

1.3.1. The Nilgiri Tahr

The Nilgiri tahr, (Nilagiritragus hylocrius Ropiquet and Hassanin, 2005) is an

endangered caprid listed in Schedule I of Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 and

categorised as ‘endangered’ by the IUCN. It is endemic to the hill ranges of the Western

Ghats of Southern peninsular India, in pockets where a suitable mosaic of montane

grasslands and rugged terrain exist. Tahr is closely related to the Himalayan tahr

(Hemitragus jemlahicus C.H Smith, 1826) which occurs along the southern flanks of the

Himalayas and the Arabian tahr (Arabitragus jayakari Ropiquet and Hassanin, 2005),

which inhibits the arid mountains of Sultanate of Oman.

An estimated 700-800 Nilgiri tahr inhabit Eravikulam National Park, making it

the largest wild population in the world. The tahr generally inhabits the fringes of the

17

grassy plateau and move on to the steep slabs and cliffs bordering it. They occasionally

visit the shrub lands along the base of the cliffs. Tahr avoids sholas, but sometime forage

along their periphery.

Nilgiri tahr in Eravikulam National Park occurs in two types of groups, the mixed

groups and all male groups. The mixed group consists primarily of adult females and

their sub adult offsprings. Adult males join these groups during the rut and keep away

at other times of the year. The male group consists of adult males of various classes. The

maximum size of the mixed group is 150 animals and that of all male groups is 20

individuals. The usual number of young one produced is one although twins may

occasionally occur. The rutting season occurs during monsoon (July and August) and the

main birth season is January to mid February. Estimated gestation period is nearly 179

days. The predators of Nilgiri tahr in Eravikulam National Park include tiger, leopard,

wild dog and jackal (C G Rice, 1984). However Easa (1995), through scat analyses,

recorded only one incident of tahr predation by leopard indicating almost nil predation

by other animals.

Nilgiri tahr commences feeding at the break of day and feed until late in the

evening. They feed and rest intermittently; the rest intervals becoming longer as the day

advances, until they become active again towards the evening. The tahr was observed to

feed primarily on 19 speciesd of grasses, 12 species of shrubs along with a lichen and

fresh shoots of dwarf bamboo. Chrysopogan zeylanicus from the major food species

followed by Eulalia phaeothrix, Aruwdinella ciliat, Sehima nervosum and Ischaemum

indicum iridicum ( Easa P.S, Sivaram M, KFRD research report No 242). Nights are spent

on the cliffs or as close to them as possible. In undisturbed areas however, they often

bed down in the open, away from the cliffs.

1.3.1.1. Male Nilgiri Tahr

A fully grown male Nilgiri tahr, known as saddle back, stands about 100 cm at the

shoulder and weighs about 100 Kg. The overall colouring is deep chocolate brown. This

is particularly dark; almost black on the front of the fore and hind legs, the shoulder, the

side of the abdomen, side of the face and the front of the muzzle. These contrast sharply

with white facial stripe which drops from the forehead towards the corners of the

mouth just anterior to the eyes, the white carpal patches on the front and outside of the

18

forelegs and the silvery saddle. The side of the neck where it meets the shoulder is also

sometimes lightened, as is the flank posterior to the saddle and an area around the eye.

Long black hairs form a mane and mid dorsal stripe.

The horns (in both sexes) curve uniformally back, and have no twist. The tips

diverge slightly due to the plane of the horn being divergent from the body axis

posteriorly and tilted slightly so as to converge dorsally. The inside surface is nearly flat

and the back and outside are rounded. There is a distinct rib where the inside and front

of the horns meet, and the horn surface is covered with numerous fine crenulations

amidst the slightly more evident annual rings. The horns of males are heavier and

longer than those of the females reaching a maximum length of about 40 cm. The rutting

season occurs during monsoon (July & August) and the main birth season was during

January to mid February. Estimated gestation period is nearby 179 days (Rice 1984).

1.3.1.2. Female Nilgiri Tahr

Female Nilgiri tahr is shorter and slighter than their male counterparts. In

contrast to the striking pelage of the male, the female is almost uniformly gray. The

carpal patch is black against the light background. The facial markings are present but

only faintly, and the area around the eye and the cheek below it are brown. The mane

and mid-dorsal stripe are much less conspicuous. The horns are slimmer and shorter,

reaching a maximum length of about 26 cm.

1.4. Values of the Park 1.4.1. Value related to flora

An abode of a number of Kurinji species, especially Nilkurinji, that blooms once in 12 years.

Exceptional ecosystem diversity consisting of shola forests, grasslands, hill forests, evergreen forests, shrub lands and moist deciduous forests.

Largest stretch of undisturbed shola grassland eco system in Western Ghats.

Exceptional species diversity in the shola forests and grasslands.

Significant population of endemic shola and grassland species.

Ideal place for “insitu” germ plasm conservation of rare and threatened species.

National Park harbors a number of Medicinal Plants.

19

1.4.2. Values related to fauna

Largest viable population of Nilgiri tahr in the world.

Good population of mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians etc with high degree of endemism.

1.4.3. Values related to watershed

The catchment area of three important rivers, Periyar, Chalakudiyar and

Pambar.

Important source of potable water for the local dependent population and population down stream.

Irrigation water for the tea estates nearby and the agricultural land down stream.

1.4.4. Values related to education and research

Great opportunity for education and research due to rich and diverse ecosystems, plants and animals.

Ample scope for studying people’s participation in conservation and management.

1.4.5. Aesthetic values

Value related to eco-tourism.

Major destination due to the scenic beauty,unique ecosystems and life forms. Ample scope for nature photography.

1.4.6. Socio-Economic value

Livelihood for hundreds of local dependent population directly and indirectly.

The long standing relationship between the earlier managers of the Park, the High Range Wildlife and Environment Preservation Association and the local Muthuvan tribes is an ideal model in conservation initiatives.

1.4.7. Cultural Value

The Muthuvan are the local, indigenous people. They inhabit the fringes of the Park and have traditionally been associated with the management of the Park. The Park plays a significant role in sustaining them and their culture.

20

Flagship species in Eravikulam National Park

Fig : 1 Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius)

Endemic and endangered mammal listed in Schedule I of Wildlife (Protection)

Act 1972. The total estimated population is 2000 of which 700-800 are found in Eravikulam National Park, making it the largest viable population of the animal in the world.

Fig : 2 Neela Kurunji (Strobilanthes kunthianus)

Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) is a shrub that grows abundantly in the

Shola grasslands of the Western Ghats in South India above 1800 meters. The Nilgiri Hills, which literally means the blue mountains got their name from the purplish blue flowers of Neelakurinji that blossoms gregariously only once in 12 years. This plant belongs to the genus Strobilanthes which was first scientifically described by Nees in the 19th century. The genus has around 250 species, of which at least 46 are found in India. Most of these species show an unusual flowering behaviour, varying from annual to 16-year blooming cycles

21

CHAPTER 2

BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND ATTRIBUTES

22

2.1. Boundaries 2.1.1. Legal Boundaries Corporate estates, reserved forests and Protected Areas bound the Park on all sides. The

boundary description is as follows:

North: The boundary commence from the point where the Kannan Devan Hills Produce

Village boundary meets the interstate boundary between Kerala and Tamil Nadu at

point 5540’ (1689m). From that point the boundary runs along the interstate boundary

passing through peaks with altitude of 3984' (1214 m), 5011' (1527 m), 5885' (1794 m)

and 7388' (2252 m) to Perattumala 7033' (2144 m). Thence turning southeast the

boundary reaches Kumarikkal Mala 8275' (2522 m).

East: The boundary follows the Kannan Devan Hill Produce Village boundary along the

ridge through Kattumalai 8373’ (2552m) and then to Perumalmalai 7736' (2355 m) till

it reaches Tirumudi 5676' (1830 m).

South: The boundary follows the western boundary of Chattamunnar Estate (Thalayar

group), northern boundaries of Vaguvurrai and Nayamakkadu Estate to meet the

Kannan Devan Hill Produce Village boundary about 3 Km south west of Rajamala peak

7209' (2197 m).

West: The boundary follows the Kannan Devan Hill Produce Village boundary to

Rajamala 7209’ (2197 m) and then turning north-east, the boundary reaches

Sambamalai 7581' (2311 m) and thence to Bhimamalai 4719' (1438 m) and from there

turns in a north east direction to Kolukkumalai, 7137' (2175 m) and thence proceeds in

north direction to the starting point at 5540' (1689 m) passing through Erumamalai,

7496' (2284 m) and Erumapetti malai, 6999' (2133 m).

The boundary notification is vague at some points where the distinction between

National Park and tea estates is not clear enough. The southern boundary with the tea

estates still remains vague at few points. For the rest of the Park, the boundaries are

clear and demarcated. On the south boundary between Lakkom Kudy and

Chattamunnar, a small area (about 5 ha) has been under occupation. There is no reliable

record regarding the time of occupation.

23

2.1.2. Internal Boundaries

The boundary of the Lakkom Muthuvan settlement situated inside the Park on

the southern periphery is demarcated with kayyala. The individual right over land is

already settled as per Forest Rights Act. The Park is under a single Forest Station with

head quarters at Lakkom and there is no internal demarcation.

2.1.3. Ecological Boundaries The notification follows the ridges as the boundary and the ecological boundaries

of the Park extend into the Anamalai Tiger Reserve in Tamilnadu, Chinnar Wildlife

Sanctuary under Munnar Wildlife Division and Koodakkad proposed reserve under

Marayur division in the north, Koodakkad proposed reserves under Marayur Division in

the east, the grasslands of KDHP company, Mankulam Division and Munnar division in

south and Anaimudi reserve forest under Munnar Division in the west. These areas are

vital as fawning and escape cover for a species like tahr.

2.2. Geology, rock and soil The underlying rocks in the area are of Archaean igneous origin, consisting of

granite and gneiss. The crystalline rocks consist of minerals such as silica, feldspars,

muscovite and biotitic with small amounts of accessory ferro-magnesium minerals. The

soil is basically a relic of a much thicker soil cover that developed formerly under

pseudo-dynamic conditions prevailing from late Jurassic to early Tertiary times. It is

composed of different layers, black to dark gray in colour, granular, friable, sandy loam

interspersed with a little gravel. The soil is rich in organic matter. Soil is sandy-clay with

sand (79.43 – 94.14 %), silt (1.43 – 11.00 %), clay (2.71 – 5.57 %) and some gravel,

altogether approximately 30-100 cm in depth. Soil depth is more in valleys, bogs and

shola margins when compared with that of slopes and crests. The soil moisture in the

month of May ranges from 12.30 to 39.97 % in different landscape units. The chemical

composition of the soil shows a high percentage of organic carbon (18 % in grass lands

and 22.5 % in shola) and nitrogen (0.7 % in grass land and 1.2 % in shola), which

indicates the low decomposition of organic matter due to cool climate conditions. The

soil is acidic with pH ranging from 4.13 – 5.34 in different landscape units.

24

2.3. Terrain The area is represented by undulating terrain flanked on all sides by moderate to

steep slopes. The major terrain types are slopes (low to steep), flat mountain tops and

valleys (water logged and well drained). The main body of the Park is comprised of a

high rolling plateau, with a base elevation of about 2000m. Most of the knolls and peaks

on the plateau rise 100 to 300m above it. The main plateau area is split roughly into half

from northwest to southeast by the Turner’s Valley. The southern fringe of the Park is

mostly precipitous with broken cliffs descending from Anamudi, Umayamala and

surrounding massifs. In contrast to the sustained and extremely steep escarpment along

the eastern fringe of the Nilgiri plateau, the plateau fringe in the Eravikulam area is

generally less steep with cliffs often grading into rock slabs with numerous brakes of

grassland, shrubs or forests. Only along the west-facing crust between Kattumalai and

Kumarikkalmalai, does the edge of the plateau resemble that of the Nilgiri plateau in

this regard. In addition, cliffs are usually not abrupt but rounded both horizontally and

vertically. Where exposed, the rock usually has an irregular surface with numerous

small dikes and discontinuities.

2.3.1. Contour Contour map of Eravikulam National Park (based on 1:50000 SOI topo sheet) is attached as Map. 5

2.4. Climate The climate of the Park is known as tropical montane. The influence of altitude

over tropical latitude brings about the characteristic climate. The monsoon dominates

the annual weather cycle. The year consists of four seasons: (1) winter from December

to February; (2) summer or pre-monsoon from March to May; (3) South - West

monsoon from June to August; and (4) North - East monsoon from September to

November. The Park is mostly covered in mist from June to November. The data on

rainfall and temperature provided in this Plan are from the neighboring estates as the

Park does not have a system of recording such data. The climatic conditions inside the

estates vary significantly from that inside the park.

25

Map. 5 : Contour map of Eravikulam National Park

26

2.4.1. Rainfall pattern and distribution The Park receives its major precipitation during the South - West monsoon (June

- August). During monsoon, the rain usually does not fall continually, but in heavy

showers lasting less than hour. However, lighter rains more often continues for longer

periods. The data on rainfall between 2001 and 2010 are collected from the neighboring

estate of Rajamala, Vaguvarrai and Nyamakad. More than 60% of the annual rainfall is

contributed by the south-west monsoon. Following the south-western monsoon, north-

east monsoon commences by September and accounts for nearly 30% of the total

precipitation. In many ways this period is like a wetter version of the pre-monsoon,

with clouds mist and heavy rainfall. Summer rains occur in the months of February,

March and April. The rainfall over the last 10 years and month wise rainfall data for 3

years in the nearby estates are tabulated below (Table 1 and 2). But rainfall pattern

varies greatly across the Park.

Table-1: Rainfall around Eravikulam National Park (mm)

Location 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Nyamakad 2718 2080 2000 3075 3855 3317 4578 2559 2998 2887

Rajamallay 6884 5010 4402 9074 9364 7731 9291 4531 6783 6677

Vaguvarrai 2987 2172 2052 2975 3800 2775 3741 2806 3085 2719

Table-2: Monthwise rainfall at Rajamala 2007 - 08 to 2009 -10

Month 2007-08

( mm) 2008-09

( mm) 2009-10

( mm) April 100 47 44.5 May 220.5 101.7 205 June 2380 736 872.5 July 2917.5 1457 3159 August 1798 1118 482.5 September 1153 518 1411 October 384 244.5 296 November 5.5 29 237.5 December 73 13 105 January 3 0 31 February 8 0 0 March 108 97 55 Total 9150.50 4361.2 6899

27

2.4.2. Temperature, a summary of year round pattern The mean daily maximum temperature rises during January - May, but drops

abruptly with the onset of monsoon in June. The lack of penetration of solar radiation

accounts for the maximum temperatures being the lowest during the monsoon, after

which they rise again slightly. The lowest minimum temperatures however are during

the winter months. The winter starts by December and lasts until February. Frost is a

frequent phenomenon during winter nights. The nights are clear and through radiant

heat loss the surface temperature at times reaches freezing point. The day temperature

during this period goes to 23 - 250 C. At Rajamala the monthly mean minimum

temperature recorded was 6.250 C in January and the mean maximum was 24.390 C in

February. The Table 3 shows month wise mean maximum and minimum temperature

recorded at Rajamala tea estate.

Table 3 Temperature

Month 2007 2008 2009

Min 0 C Max 0 C Min 0 C Max 0 C Min 0 C Max 0 C

January 6.25 22.7 9.93 22.64 10.25 22.87

February 8.25 22.50 12.64 23.17 12.25 24.39 March 11.25 22.67 10.83 23.06 13.77 14.06 April 13.40 23.30 13.60 22.33 14.06 24.03 May 14.38 23.25 13.64 22.58 15.51 24.35 June 13.67 22.96 13.86 22.46 14.00 23.00 July 13.67 22.61 14.06 22.61 14.00 20.00

August 13.86 22.86 14.22 23.09 14.81 22.65 September 13.43 23.36 12.80 22.10 14.76 22.86

October 13.35 23.06 9.93 22.58 14.03 23.22 November 11.06 22.30 12.00 21.86 13.00 24.00

December 10.45 20.45 8.96 22.12 10.00 24.00

Mean 11.91 22.67 12.20 22.55 13.37 22.45

2.4.3. Humidity

Humidity varies with season. During monsoon it is as high as 83–100%. The

winter days are marked by very low humidity 59-62% that further declines with high

wind velocity.

28

2.4.4. Wind speeds During south - west monsoon, winds are consistently from the west and strong,

at times reaching an estimated 80 km/hr. Low velocity winds occur during north - east

monsoon and in the winter season. During February - March, dry winds blow from the

east, growing stronger at times.

2.5. Water sources

Many streams criss-cross the landscape. Almost all the streams are perennial.

They merge together to form tributaries of Periyar and Chalakudiyar in the west and

river Pambar in the east. The lake at Bheemanauda is an artificial one created before the

formation of the National Park.

2.5.1. Drainage The drainage map of Eravikulam National Park (Map. 6) was generated digitally

using SOI topo sheet and watershed atlas map of Kerala State Land Use Board.

2.6. Range of wildlife, status, distribution and habitat

The shola-grassland complex of the Park provides a wide range of habitats to

many mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians and a large group of invertibrates. 49

species of mammals, 132 species of birds, 20 species of amphibian and 101 species of

butterflies, thirteen species of reptiles and four species of fishes have been recorded

from the Park. The introduced fish, rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneir) is the dominant fish

species in the streams and water bodies. The sholas are generally confined to the

valleys, glens, hollows and depressions. They are evergreen forests characterized by

stunted trees with dense crown, thick, more or less closed canopy and small coriacious

leaves. Species like tiger, leopards, gaur and elephant frequently move across the

boarder into the neighboring estates, sanctuaries and reserved forests. They generally

prefer the proximity of sholas as they provide the much needed cover. But tahrs always

prefer the open grasslands proximate to cliffs. The Park boundary passes through the

centre of its vital habitat along the edge of the plateau. Elephant movements within the

National Park are seasonal. Fire is an important factor that influences animal

movements. The post-birth period population of Nilgiri tahr in the Park is estimated to

be about 700-800. The population of tahr as per the 2011 census is 831.

29

Map. 6 : Drainage map of Eravikulam National Park

30

2.6.1. Vegetation

Three major types of plant communities are found within the Park - grasslands,

shrub lands and forests. The terrain above 2000m is covered primarily by grasslands.

However, there are numerous small patches of forests in hollows and gullies in these

areas. The deeper valleys are extensively forested. Shrub lands predominate along the

bases of the cliffs and interspersed in rocky slab areas. Around 60% of the area is

covered by grasslands, about 25% by shola forests, about 8.45% by southern sub

tropical hill forest and 7.5% constitute the shrubs (Menon, 1997).

The study on land cover in Eravikulam National Park reveals that the grass land

constitute of 60 % of the land cover, shola forest constitute about 20 % of the land area

and the remaining area is occupied by southern tropical hill forests, scrubs and rocky

cliffs ( Balakrishnan M, Surendrananthan Asari P.K, 2002.

The reason for distribution of the forests and grasslands side by side, still

remains a riddle. The ecological explanations fall into two categories: (1) those which

describe the shola-grassland ecosystem as a polyclimax and (2) those which maintain

that the shola forest is a true climax and that the grassland is a sub-climax maintained

by human disturbance, fire and grazing in particular.

The biogeographic classification Biogeographically, the Park falls in the following categories:

Biogeographic zone : Paleo tropical, Indo-Malayan realm, Western Ghats

Biotic province : 5B Western Ghat mountain

Bioma : Mountain forest-grassland. Forest types Following forest types are recognized inside the Park

a. Shola forests (Southern montane wet temperate forest)

b. Grasslands (Southern montane wet temperate grass land)

c. Transition forests (Southern sub tropical broad leaved hill forest)

d. Evergreen forests (Southern west cost evergreen forest)

e. Shrub lands

f. Deciduous forests (Southern tropical moist deciduous forests)

31

The two distinct physiognomic units of vegetation found within the Park are

the grasslands and shola forests. These forests are classified as southern montane wet

temperate forests. The forests on the plateau occupy glens, hollows or valleys. Broadly,

the shola vegetation also includes the subtropical broad leaved hill forests that merge

into the evergreen forests at a lower altitude. Grasslands, sholas, shrub lands and

subtropical broad-leaved hill forests are the major land cover types. A small portion of

the Park has southern west coast evergreen forests on its western side and moist

deciduous forests on the east.

Vegetation mapping

Around 60% of the area is covered by grasslands, about 25% by shola forests,

about 8.45% by southern sub tropical hill forest and 7.5% constitute the shrubs (Menon

ARR, 1997). Vegetation map of Eravikulam Natimal Park is attached as Map. 7.

2.6.2 Flora

The Park is floristically rich due to its characteristic climatic condition. 803 taxa

(76 Peridophytes and 727 Angiosperms) were collected and described from the Park.

They belong to 332 genera representing 134 families. Dicotyledons dominated with 505

species belonging to 240 genera and 90 families. Monocotyledons were represented by

222 species under 92 genera and 16 families. 10 dominant families with respect to

species richness are Poaceae ( 105 species and 39 genera ), Orchidaceae ( 66 species

and 23 genera ), Asteraceae ( 48 species and 24 genera ), Rubiaceae ( 43 species and 17

genera ), Balsaminaceae ( 39 species and 1 genus ), Acanthaceae ( 31 species and 7

genera ), Papilionaceae ( 26 species and 12 genera ), Lauraceae ( 32 species and 6

genera ), Melastomataceae ( 18 species and 4 genera ), Lamiceae ( 17 species and 7

genera ). Fern groups here are endemic and comprises of 76 species under 35 genera

and 28 families. Nearly 190 species are Western Ghat endemics, and 89 among these are

placed under various threat categories. During the study 36 species of Impatients were

collected in and around the park of which 18 are locally endemic and not seen

anywhere in the Western Ghats.

32

Map. 7 : Vegetation map Eravikulam National Park

33

They harbour 15 species of Arisaema which are confined to this area alone and 2

species of Ophiorrhiza which was recollected after 68 year. Other endemics of this

region are, Anaphalis barnesii, Begonia aliciae, Didymocarpus mcrostachya, Habenaria

flabelliformis etc. (Floristic studies on Eravikulam National Park Biju S.D. TBGRI, Palode

2004)

The characteristics and species found in various forest types in the Park are

Shola forests

The hill forests are locally known as ‘sholas’, the Tamil term for forest. The shola

forests in the upper plateau are dense and floristically rich with many endemic and rare

species. The trees in the sholas form a continuous canopy usually not exceeding 10-

15m. There is no marked differentiation into canopy layers. The tree bark is covered

with lichens, orchids, mosses and climbers. The crowns are generally rounded and

dense.

Common tree species in the shola forests are Pithecellobium subcoriaceum, Ixora

notoniana, Syzygium arnottianum, Ilex denticulata, I. wightiana, Michaelia nilagirica,

Elaeocarpus recurvatus, Microtropis ramiflora, Actinodaphne bourdellonii, and Symplocos

pendula. The edges of the shola are marked by trees such as Rhododendron

arboreumvar. nilagiricum, Ternstroemia japonica, Ligustrum perrottettii, Turpinia

cochinchinensis,Mahonia leshenaultii, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, Berberis tinctoria,

Vaccinium neilgherrense etc. and herbs and shrubs include Gaultheria fragrantissima,

Moonia heterophylla, Jasminum bignoneacium, Smithia blanda, Valeriana hookeriana and

a few species of Strobilanthes. The undergrowth in the shola is represented by

Strobilanthes sp., Impatiens phoenicea, I. coelotropis, Psychotria congesta, Viola patrinii, V.

serpens, Asplenium sp., and Arundinaria densifolia. Epiphytic orchids in the sholas include

Aerides ringens, Coelogyne nervosa, C. mossiae, Eria dalzelli, E. pauciflora, and

Schoenorchis filiformis. The common climbers are Piper schmidtii, Rubia cordifolia, and

Connarus wightii. Rapanea capillata, Vaccinium leschenaultii, Impatiens tangachee,

Sonerila grandiflora, Osmunda regalis and Eurya japonica are usually found along

streams.

Broad-leaved forests are found on the slopes descending from the plateau. The

dominant tree species found in the broad-leaved forests are Pittosporum tetraspermum,

Elaeocarpus munroii, Apollonias arnotti, Symplocos spicata, Gomphandra coriacea,

Garcinia gummi-gutta, Litsea coreacea, Prunus ceylanica and Photinia notoniana. Major

34

shrubs include Begonia subpeltata, Osbeckia lineolata, Polygala arillata, Strobilanthes

homotropus, Maesa perrottetiana etc.

Grass lands

About 80% of the Park is occupied by grasslands. They cover the plateau and

descending slopes. Three hundred and eight species are recorded from the grasslands

out of which 51 are endemic to the montane grasslands of the Western Ghats

(Karunakaran P V., Rawath G S et al. 1998).

The major grass species in the grasslands are Andropogon lividus, Arundinella

vaginata, Digitaria wallichiana and Arundinella mesophylla. Chrysopogon zeylanicus and

Sehima nervosum dominate these plateau and slopes, whereas in the cattle grazed areas,

unpalatable Cymbopogon flexuosus is frequent. Chrysopogon zeylanicus the dominant

grass species is found at Rajamala, down slopes of Anamudi and Poovar. Sehima

nervosum community is more prevalent throughout the plateau. Moist valleys are

characterized by Garnotia sps. Other dominant grasses are Eulalia phaeothrix,

Andropogon lividus, Arundinella purpurea, Agrostis peninsularis, Ischaemum indicum,

Heteropogon contortus and Tripogon bromodies.

The common herbs and shrubs in the grasslands include Anaphalis lawii, A.

bourneii, A. meeboldii, Swertia corymbosa, Polygala japonica, Curculigo orchioides,

Micromeria biflora, Bupleurum distichophyllum, Crotalaria fysonii, C. ovalifolia,

Ranunculus reniformis, Hedyotis swertiodes, Senecio lavandulaefolius, Parnassia

mysorense, Pedicularis zeylanica, Wahlenbergia gracilifolia, Impatiens pandata, I.

modesta, Phlebophyllum kunthianum, Hypericum mysorense, Pteridium aquilinum,

Ageratina adenophora, Gaultheria fragrantissima etc. The water logged areas are

dominated by species such as Eriocaulon robustum, E. collinum, and E. geofreyii.

The summit of the Anaimudi is vegetated with patches of stunted Arundinaria

densifolia and Gaultheria fragrantissima (wintergreen), Anaphalis sp., Impatiens and

some species of Eniocaulon.

The detailed list is attached as annexure 5

35

Shrub lands The shrub lands in the Park form a stable vegetative association occurring on

steep slopes below cliffs and interspersed among rock slabs. The dominant shrub

present on the bouldery slopes is Strobilanthus kunthianum, (Neelakurinji). This

endemic species blooms once in twelve years. Other species include Ageratina

adenophora, Gaultheria fragrantissima, Hypericum mysorense etc. Shrubby species

predominate near tea estates and bouldery slopes.

Deciduous forests A small portion on the eastern periphery of the Park lying close to Talliar estate

has deciduous forests with trees like rosewood, Pterocarpus etc. The undergrowth is

predominantly Lantana.

Tropical evergreen forests

On the western side of the Park where the hill forests merge into the Anaimudi

Reserve, a small segment of the Park exhibits characteristics of tropical evergreen

forests. The trees are tall and lofty with typical species like Mesua ferrea, Cullenia excelsa

and Palaquim ellipticum.

2.6.2. Animals

The type of animals found in a given area is the function of its existing plant

communities which in turn are governed by geo-morphology of soil, climate and rainfall

conditions. Seventeen mammals, 11 birds and 10 butterflies are Western Ghat

endemics. Mammals like Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiri marten and birds like white bellied shorting

and Kerala laughing thrush have closely related species in the Himalayas. Roarchestes

resplendens, a frog has been found only near the Anamudy peak.

A total of 85 species of butterflies, 81 species of birds ( 45 confined to shola

forest and 16 migratory ) 21 species of mammals, 22 species of amphibians and 33

species of reptiles are reported ( Balakrishnan M, Surendrananthan Asari P.K, 2002)

36

Mammals

There are 49 species of mammals recorded from the Park ( Fauna of Eravikulam

National Park, Zoological Survey of India, Faunal Conservation Series 13, 2002 and

management plan of Eravikulam National Park 2002 to 2011) of which 17 are endemic

to the Western Ghats. The list is attached as annexure 6.

Reptiles

Thriteen species of reptiles which include five Lizards and eight snakes are

reported. Ten out of thirteen species are endemic to Western Ghats (Fauna of

Eravikulam National Park, Zoological Survey of India, Faunal Conservation Series 13,

2002). Detailed list attached as annexure 7.

Avifauna A total 132 species of birds have been identified in the Eravikulam National Park

of which 11 are endemic to Western Ghats. The list is attached as annexure 8.

Fishes

Four species of fishes are reported from the Park (Fauna of Eravikulam National

Park, Zoological Survey of India, Faunal Conservation Series 13, 2002). Detailed list

attached as annexure 9.

Butterflies

A total number 101 species of butterflies have been identified in the Eravikulam

National Park of which 11 are endemic to Western Ghats. The list is attached as

annexure 10.

Amphibians A total number of 20 amphibians are reported from the Park of which 17 are

endemic to Western Ghats (Fauna of Eravikulam National Park, Zoological Survey of India,

Faunal Conservation Series 13, 2002). The list is attached as annexure 11.

37

Fig3 : Camera Trap Pictures -Eravikulam National Park

Stripe necked mongoose Tiger

Leopard Clawless otter

Leopard Cat Brown palm civet

38

CHAPTER 3

HISTORY OF MANAGEMENT AND PRESENT PRACTICES

39

3.1. General

Eravikulam National Park was managed as a Game Reserve by the Kannan Devan

Hill Produce Company till 1971. The responsibility for the management and protection

of the area was vested with the High Range Game Preservation Association, a pioneer

non-governmental organization in this area, which was formed in 1928. Due to the

unique land features, climate and remoteness, this high land attracted the attention of

many hunters, naturalists, and scientists. One of the early European explorers was Col.

Douglas Hamilton who described the beauty and grandeur of this area in 1854. Modern

settlements began with the establishment of North Travancore Plantation and

Agricultural Society in 1879. J.D. Munro, on a hunting expedition in 1877, recognized the

possibilities of raising plantations in these ranges and acquired about 227 sq. miles

(581.12 sq. km) of land on concession from Poonjat Raja, chief of the local kingdom.

Later, the land was distributed among the members of the Society, and cultivation of

various plantation crops like coffee and cinchona were tried. It was realized later, that

tea was the most suitable crop for this area. The first tea in the High Ranges was planted

by Sharp in 1890. Passing through the stress and strain of raising plantations, the

members of the Society merged and a majority of the estates were transferred to James-

Finlay, a European company. Later, extensive cultivation of tea and eucalyptus was

carried out by clearing natural vegetation. Apart from cultivation, the English game

hunters among the old planters had taken interest in hunting activities and set aside

some areas for recreation. The present day Eravikulam National Park was one such

area. The game included Nilgiri tahr, sambar, barking deer, gaur, wild boar, leopard and

tiger. The area also offered excellent opportunity for angling of rainbow trout (Salmo

gairdnerii) which was introduced from Scotland. The High Range Game Preservation

Association was the regulatory body, which used to manage such activities with the help

of Muthuvan tribals who were employed by them as game watchers. The managers of

the nearby estates were appointed as Wardens for managing the various recreational

and game areas.

The imperatives of land reforms led to the enactment of the Kannan Devan Hills

(Resumption of Lands) Act 1971, by which all lands that were not under cultivation by

the company were vested with the Government of Kerala. The Government’s intention

was to distribute this land for agricultural purposes. The area under the Park was

40

initially earmarked for cattle farming. But because of the timely intervention by an

interested group consisting of planters, bureaucrats, naturalists and scientists, the

Government of Kerala declared the area as Eravikulam-Rajamallay Wildlife Sanctuary in

1975(GO No. 8907/FM/375/AD dated 31-03-1957) for the protection of the Nilgiri tahr

and its habitat. Subsequently, in 1978 it was upgraded to a Sanctuary (GO(MS)142/78

dated 19-05-1978). The Park was managed as a range under the Munnar Division and in

1984 it was brought under the Wildlife Warden, Idukki. In the year 1996, a separate

division named Eravikulam National Park Division was formed in the year 1996 with

head quarters at Munnar. Now Eravikulam National Park is one of the six protected

areas under the division, now known as Wildlife Division, Munnar. Over the years, the

management of the Company changed hands and with the increase in awareness, the

game association has redefined its objectives to become High Range Wildlife and

Environmental Preservation Association (HRWEPA). The Association now joins hands

with the Forest Department in managing the Park.

The tourism zone of Eravikulam National Park is known for the close quarter

sighting of Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) and massive flowering of Neelakurinji

(Strobilanthus kunthianum), an endemic shrub that flowers once in 12 years. It is the

massive flowering of Neelakurinji and the heavy flow of visitors to the National Park in

2006, helped in the introduction of the present visitor management system. Before this,

the light vehicles of the visitors were allowed up to the tourism zone, causing blockades,

pollution, littering etc in the tourism zone and adjoining areas. The introduction of

participatory management and the explosion of visitors to the National Park have

brought about paradigm shift in the Park management. Now all the management

activities including the visitor management and protection including fire protection, is

carried out with the help of seven EDCs in the Park. This has helped a lot in the

management as evident from the reduction in the illegal activities in and around the

Park over the last 5 years.

3.2. Review of Past Management Plans

The first management plan for Eravikulam National Park was for the period

1990-2000.The objectives were the protection, conservation of the ecosystem,

conservation education, research, monitoring and tourism management. The stress was

41

for protection and habitat management. The Park area was divided into core, buffer and

tourism zones. There was no systematic patrolling in the interior araea and the

infrastructure available for protection was limited. Protection problems were minimum

and 8 permenent muthuvan watchers were used for perambulation. The relationship

with the local people, tribal dependents and NGOs was minimum.The only habitat

management activity was fire protection. Controlled burning was attempted during

early periods but completely stopped later on. Visitors to Rajamala were controlled at

Rajamala Forest Chechkpost. Visitor’s vehicles were allowed to go upto the

interpretation centre at Rajamala, from where they were allowed to go on foot along the

main road. There was no systematic visitor management or infrastructure other than

the interpretation centre at Rajamala for visitor management. Research and monitoring

were not systemstic or as per the management plan.

An interim management plan was in place for the period 2000-2003. The last

management plan was for the period 2002-2011. The stress in the plan was for

conservation, habitat management, visitor management, conservation education,

ecodevelopment and participatory management.

1. The zonation was modified to core zone, tourism zone and ecodevelopment zone

to limit the disturbance by visitors to the PA and to stress on conservation,

ecodevelopment and participatory management.

2. The staff strength was increased and the entire PA was brought under a single

forest station to help protection and management.

3. The consolidation of the boundaries with the tea estates was achieved during the

period.

4. Infrastructure for protection such as the protection camps in the Park and the

camping facilities in the tribal settlements were created during the plan period. A

systematic patrolling of the Park areas was also introduced. This has improved

the protection and is very much as evident from the reduction in the illicit

activities in the Park and adjoining areas.

5. The communication and infrastructure facilities were improved during the plan

period. The number of wireless, walkie-talkies and vehicles were increased to

help protection.

42

6. Ecodevelopement committees were formed in all the tribal settlement within the

Park and in three settlements along the western boundary to help in protection,

visitor management and conservation.

7. The association with the HRWEPA was revitalised and association is still strong.

This has been a great help for Park management, especially tourism

management.

8. The systematic fire management, with the help of local dependents communities,

especially tribal people was taken up during the plan period. The practice of

controlled burning of grass lands was also implemented during the period.

9. The explosion of visitors to the National Park over the years has increased the

pressure in the Park management in the form of visitor management. Seven EDC,

four tribal and three professional, were formed during the period. A systematic

visitor management was started. Six mini buses for the transportation of visitors

form 5th mile to Tourism zone were introduced. The infrastructure for parking of

vehicle, amenities for the visitors etc. at 5th mile and Rajamala was created

during the period. The water fall at Lakkom beside the Chattamunnar Forest

Station was explored during the plan period. As part of creating awareness

among stake holders and other interested groups, nature awareness camps and

awareness program were conducted during the plan period. This has helped lot

in the information dissemination and creating interest among local public but a

systematic information dessimination still lacking.

10. The systematic annual tahr census was started during the period and now it is a

continuous process.

11. Research and monitoring were not systemstic or as per the management plan.

12. The eco development activities were strengthened during the plan period and

this has helped in improving the relationship with the local dependents,

especially tribals. The potential has not been exploited to the full extent

3.3. Timber operations

Timber operations and firewood harvest are not practiced in the Park.

43

3.4. Non wood forest produce collection

There is marginal collection of firewood and grass by the inhabitants of tribal

settlements situated in the Park and inhabitants from the nearby estates. The

Muthuvans collect honey from the Park. The extent of collection is not yet studied and

impact not understood.

3.5. Leases

The Park is completely under the management of the Forest Department. No

portion of the Park is leased to any organizations.

3.6. Other programmes and activities 3.6.1 Eco-development programme

Eco-development programme is implemented in the Lakkomkudy tribal

settlement located inside the Park and in the Parappayar, Parakkudy, Nooradikudy

Muthuvan settlement which are on the fringe of the National Park. The association

between HRWEPA and the National Park, which begin since the inception of the Park,

still continues. With the formation of professional EDCs, the programme now covers the

members of these EDCs namely Watchers, Vendors and Drivers EDC.

The sudden bloom of tourists which started with the massive flowering of

Neelakurinji during 1994, increased during the flowering in 2006. Now the average

visitation at Rajamala during the last 3 years has been around 4, 00,000. In order to deal

with the massive flow of the visitors, in addition to the existing 5 EDCs namely Watchers

EDC, Lakkomkudy EDC, Parappayarkudy EDC, Parakudy EDC and Nooradykudy EDC,

two professional EDCs, namely Vendors EDC and Drivers EDC, were constituted and the

present visitor management system was introduced in 2006. Now all the private

vehicles are stopped at the entrance of the Park and the visitors are carried in mini

buses owned by Anamudy Forest Development Agency (AFDA) and operated by the

EDCs. For the amenities of the visitors, cafeteria, amenity centre, enquiry counter,

interpretation centre, toilets etc are managed by the EDC members. The system is able

to tackle the heavy visitation to the National Park successfully.

44

Table-4: Details of EDCs in Eravikulam National Park

Sl. no Name of EDC Members Year of formation

Remark

1 Lakkomkudy EDC 168 2003 Tribal EDC

2 Parappayarkudy EDC

204 2003 ,,

3 Parakudy EDC 73 2003 ,,

4 Nooradykudy EDC 105 2003 ,,

5 Watchers EDC 26 2003 Professional EDC

6 Vendors EDC 24 2006 ,,

7 Drivers EDC 22 2006 ,,

With the aim of the creating more job opportunities to the local depended

population the Lakkom Water Fall, which is located outside the Park on its southern

boundary, came into operational in 2006, which is managed by the tribal EDC members

from Lakkomkudy. More eco tourism programmes like short trekking and camping are

on the anvil.

These Eco development programmes are aimed to positively interfere with the

socio economic status of the forest department communities especially tribal people to

gain their confidence and thus help in the conservation initiatives.

3.6.2 Medicinal plant conservation area An area of 200 ha marked as Medicinal Plant Conservation Area (MPCA) between

Anamudy and Eravikulam, emarked for the conservation of medicinal plants, is

maintained as such. This area has been protected from fire incidents every year for its

protection and conservation.

3.6.3 Estimation of Tahr population The annual estimation of Tahr population is carried out with the help of

volunteers from non-governmental organization non-governmental individuals and

students from educational institutions, espicially College of Forestry, Vellanikkara.

Muthuvan trackers and staff facilitate the census operation. The method of “bounded

count” first put into practice by Dr. Rajan Varghese of U C College Alwae in 1984 is

followed for the estimation. The estimation is done in the last week of April every year

45

for covering the new borns and the fair climate during the period. The total area of the

Park is divided into 13 blocks (map attached as Map. 8) for the census. A group

consisting of volunteers, students, staff and muthuvan trackers will be deployed in each

block for the census. The whole exercise lasts for seven days. The first day involves the

training and the transportation of the groups into the base camps in the field. From

second day onwards, counting is done in the field in all the 13 blocks simultaneously for

five days. Details like the population size, structure, location, time etc are recorded

during the field work. The last day involves the compilation of the data.

The population is estimated by N = Xm + 1-α(Xm - X (m -1)) α

Xm and x(m-1) are the largest and second largest population counts and 1-α is the confidence level. The result during the last ten census and the block count during the last census are attached in tables 5 and 6

Table-5: Population of tahr in past census

Sl.No Year Population

1. 2001 569

2. 2002 No census

3. 2003 750

4. 2004 No census

5. 2005 670

6. 2006 704

7. 2007 686

8. 2008 743

9. 2009 747

10. 2010 776

11. 2011 831

The present methodology can be modified to get finer details of the population of

tahr in different areas in future with the help of modern technological advancements

like remote sensing.

46

Map.8 : Census block map

47

Table- 6: Census block count 2011.

Block no Name of Block Day I Day II Day III Day IV Day V

1 Naikollimala 126 84 109 141 96

2 Meenthotty 43 38 81 79 61

3 Anamudy 101 85 71 101 98

4 Karikombumala 12 26 39 0 6

5 Kolukkan 0 18 16 41 24

6 Erumamala 74 88 80 76 68

7 Eravikulam 98 89 93 50 82

8 Perumalmala 88 19 78 18 63

9 Thirumala / Thirumudy

15 2 15 6 17

10 Lakkom Kudy 38 42 39 41 36

11 Vembanthanny 118 88 91 137 86

12 Kumarickal 15 23 14 5 12

13 Poovar 35 0 20 28 20

Total 763 602 746 723 669

3.6.4. Animal and Elephant Population Estimations

Population estimation of major mammals, as part State-wide estimation, has

been carried out during 2002 during the plan period. The density of major animals

found in Eravikulam National Park is given in the Table 7. In addition, population of

elephants was estimated during 2005, 2007 and 2010. The density of elephants

estimated using dung density is also given in Table 8. The information is for Munnar

Wildlife Divison as a whole and hence applicable to Eravikulam National Park as well.

Table 7 : Population estimation of major mammals in the Forests of Kerala

conducted in 2002 by Kerala Forest Department and KFRI

Species Density/Sq.Km Method

Elephant 0.29

Block Count

Gaur 0.45

Sambhar 0.11

Spotted Deer 0.43

Wild boar 0.75

Malabar Giant Squirrel

0.03

48

Table 8: Population estimation of Wild Elephants in the Elephant reserves of Kerala conducted by Kerala Forest Department, Periyar Foundation

and KFRI

Year Density/Sq.Km Method

2005 1.14

Estimation using dung density 2007 0.52

2010 0.72

3.7. Forest protection 3.7.1. Forest Plantations

There are no plantations within the notified boundary of the National Park.

3.7.1.1. Legal Status The National Park was declared in the year 1978 and no right is admitted in the

Park. The muthuvan tribal settlement at Lakkom still remains inside the Park. The

settlement is clearly demarcated except at Chattamunnar. The individual rights over the

land under forest right act have been settled during 2010-11. The muthuvans have been

traditionally associated with the management of the area since the colonial days for

protection. Taking this into consideration the government has created 8 posts for

muthuvan watchers in Eravikulam National Park. Apart from this muthuvan has been

engaged as daily wages watchers in visitor management. The occupation of part of the

Park at Chattamunnar by the local people is a problem. The boundary remains vague

here. There are 16 families and they have constructed structures including some semi

permanent sheds. No records are available regarding the time of occupation and other

details of the occupants. The southern boundary of the Park with the tea estate, marked

with survey stones, remains vague without permanent cairns at many points. This has

to be verified and clearly demarcated with permanent cairns. The forest station at

Lakkom is located outside the National Park boundary. The area is not a reserved forest.

It is to be declared as an ecologically fragile area.

With the introduction of new visitor management system that is controlled

through the vehicles owned by Ecodevelopment committees, the plying of vehicle to the

tourism zone of the Park is under control. But the road passing through the tourism

zone of the Park is the only access to Pettymudy, Rajamala tea estates and Edamalakudy

tribal settlement from 5th Mile to Rajamala. With the declaration of the Edamalakudy as

the first tribal Panchayath in Kerala, the only road access to the area through the Park

49

will have increased vehicular transit, which could negatively affect the management of

the Park.This has to be continuously monitored and adverse impacts suitably tackled.

The present boundary notification of the park mainly follow the hill points and

hence leave out many grass lands of KDHP Company, Munnar division, Marayur division

and Mankulam division that are genuine habitats of Nilgiri tahr. These areas have to be

added to the National Park in order to extent the legal protection to Tahr in the area and

also for habitat.

The presence of the police wireless station in the grasslands adjoing the Tourism

zone in the habitat of tahr population in the Tourism zone has been a disturbance to

them due to the frequent commutation of Police vehicles through the tourism zone,

construction of more and more buildings in the important tahr habitat, littering of the

area and feeding of animals, affecting the behaviour of the animals and chances of

spread of diseases to animals.This problem needs to be addressed.

3.7.2. Illegal activities 3.7.2.1. Hunting

Prior to declaration as a sanctuary, the English game hunters among the old

planters had taken keen interest in hunting activities apart from tea plantation

activities. The Park was the hunting preserve of the planters. Hunting records provide

an idea about the abundance of animals such as Nilgiri tahr, sambar, barking deer, gaur,

wild boar, leopard and tiger. The area also offered excellent opportunity for angling of

rainbow trout which was introduced from Scotland. There are 3 hunting cases reported

during the Plan period and the details attached as table 9. The chance for hunting is

more along the tea estate boundaries. To facilitate such activities they set fire to the

fringes of the Park. Constant vigil needs to be given to prevent such instances. The

Pallanad, Coffee store and Chattamunnar areas, Rajamala, Pettymudy tea estates and the

grass lands adjoining Rajamala tourism zone that extend to the Kadalar and grassland

that extending to the Pettymudy area in the southern boundary are having chances of

hunting. There were no hunting cases after 2005 and the practice is under control now.

50

Table-9: Details of hunting cases 2001-2010

Sl No.

Mahazer Date Common Name

No. of Accused

1 24.02.2002 Tahr 9

2 10.05.2002 Tahr 2

3 29.06.2003 Tahr 4

3.7.2.2. Poaching

The chance for poaching is more along the estate boundaries. To facilitate such

activities the likely poachers set fire to the fringes of the Park. Constant vigil needs to be

exercised to prevent such instances. The Pallanad, Coffee store, Chattamunnar, the

boundaries with the tea estate and the grass lands adjoining Rajamala tourism zone that

extend to the Kadalar and grassland that extending to the Pettymudy area in the

southern boundary are more prone to poaching. There were two poaching cases during

the present plan period and the details attached as table 10. Thre were no poaching

cases after 2005 and the practice is under control now.

Table-10: Details of poaching cases 2001-2010

3.7.2.3. Illegal cutting of trees

Species of timber value like rosewood occur only in a small portion at

Chattamunnar on the eastern fringe of the Park, bordering Talliar estate above Coffee

Store. A few cases of illegal cutting of trees had occurred in the past. Head load

transportation of sandal smuggled from Marayur area by armed gangs and

transportation of ganja through the Park were serious protection problem during the

past. Inorder to facilitate this they used to set fire to the Park areas at Chinnapoovar,

Kumarikkal, Perumalmala, Nayoli etc. Effective protection camp at vulnerable points,

with the active involvement of eco development committees, along the fringes and the

Sl No. Date of offence

Common Name

No. of Accused

Remarks

1 04.02.2005 Pangolin 4 -

2 26.04.2005 Nilgiri Langur - Outside the park

51

formation of Sandal Division at Marayur, helped to control these issues. These practices

have been under control and there are no such cases after 2005.

Table- 11: Details of illicit cutting of trees and transport of sandal - 2001-2010.

Sl.No Date of offence

Common Name No.Of

Accused Remark

1 13-01-2002 Sandal wood 3 Head load transportation

2 24-02-2002 Sandal wood 9 Head load transportation

3 24-02-2004 Sandal wood - Head load transportation

4 02-07-2004 Sandal wood - Transportation – 61A

5 06-08-2004 Sandal wood 3 Transportation in bus

6 05-10-2004 Sandal wood - Transportation – 61A

7 08-10-2004 Sandal wood 2 Transportation – 61 A

8 24-12-2004 Pottama 1 -

9 16-02-2005 Sandal wood 9 Transportation – 61 A

10 09-03-2005 Rose wood - -

11 31-05-2005 Rose wood 1 Out side park

3.7.2.4. Illegal removal of NWFP

As the National Park is mostly shola grass lands, the removal of firewood by the

estate dwellers and the tribals is very less. The tribals from Lakkomkudy collect fire

wood, thatching grass and honey from the Park areas. Thre are instances of marginal

collection of fire wood from the Park areas by estate labour from Chattamunnar,

Pallanad and Coffee store. The tribal people from the settlements along the eastern and

western boundaries collect honey from the Park. The honey and minor forest produce

collected from the Park is sold through eco develop committee outlets in the Park for

their livelihood. The people in the area under occupation at Chattamunnar collect fire

wood from the area under occupation. All these activities are marginal and do not pose

much impact in the National Park. No detail regarding the collection of NWFP from the

Park area is available.

3.7.2.5. Ganja cultivation

There have been instances of ganja cultivation in the past especially near the

interstate boundary. There were reports of ganja cultivation outside the Park boundary

in vulnerable areas. The eastern boundary with Marayur range and the western

52

boundary with Munnar range are ganja prone areas. This calls for constant vigil on the

part of the Park management in these areas. There are no instances of ganja cultivation

in the Park areas during the plan period due to the regular patrolling and ganja raids.

Thre were instances of transportation of ganja through the National Park from Marayur

to Mankulam areas and the details attached as table 12. Thre are no such cases after

2005.

Table-12: Details of ganja trasportation cases 2001-2010

Sl.No Date of offence

Common Name No.Of

Accused Value Remark

1 04.02.2004 Ganja 1 11,000/- -

2 22.07.2005 Ganja 3 2,60,000/- -

3 23.11.2005 Ganja 7 1,65,000/- Outside the

park

3.7.2.6. Encroachment

The right of tribals over land at Lakkomkudy is settled as per Forest Rights Act

and the boundary is demarcated with kayyala. But it requires repair at some places .The

boundary at Chattamunnar area is vague and 16 families have occupied about 5 Ha of

land prior to this plan, without any rights. The legality of the occupation has to be

verified. The boundary with KDHP, demarcated with survey stones and rock marks, is

vague at many points, especially along the southern boundary. The boundary has to be

clearly demarcated with permanent cairns.

3.7.2.7. Live stock grazing

There are few cattle in Lakkomkudy. They graze their cattle in the settlement

and nearby areas of the Park. Grazing of cattle occurs in areas adjoining Chattamunnar,

Coffee store and Palland. Vaccination is done for all the cattle in the Lakkomkudy and all

the areas surrounding the Park including the settlements adjoining the eastern

boundary and all the tea estates adjoining southern boundary every year to prevent the

spread of diseases. This need to be continued and grazing in the Park areas need to be

stopped completely.

53

3.7.3. Wild fires

Fire is one of the most wide-spread and ancient fundamental ecological factors

maintaining many grass lands of the world. The Muthuvans and then the Britishers used

to set fire to the grasslands as a management practice. Though not on records, the Park

was subjected to frequent fires during the past decades. Late fires in unburnt grasslands

accompanied by strong winds could be disastrous. As a result some of the shola patches

get partially or completely burnt. In extreme cases, the soil also gets badly affected.

With the introduction of participatory management the fire incidents in the

National park have been under control and hence there are no major fire incidents over

the last 5 years. Minor fire incidents have taken place along the boundaries at

Chattamunnar, Pallanad and Kadalar the details attached as table 13. The presence of

tea estates along the southern boundary calls for constant vigil in these areas to prevent

the spread of fire from the estates in to the Park. Special care has to be given for the fire

protection at Rajamala tourism zone where a number of vehicles pass through the

tourism zone in the road leading to Rajamala and Pettumudy. There are chances for the

spread of fire from inter state boundary in the north and from the tribal settlements

along the eastern boundary with Marayur range. Earlier there were instances of setting

fire to the Park areas and outside at Chinnapoovar, Kumarikkal, Perumalmala, Nayoli,

Poovar and Pothady areas by sandal and ganja smugglers to divert the attention of the

staff and watchers and thus further their illicit activities.

Table-13: Details of fire incidents 2001-2011

Sl.No Mahazar Date Location Area (ha)

1 07/03/2002 Kolukkumala 0.8 ha

2 05/02/2003 Karinkombu 30 ha

3 05/03/2003 Naikolly 200 ha

4 08/03/2003 Tourism zone 3 ha

5 20/03/2004 Umayamala 15 ha

6 22/02/2009 Thonikkuthu 7.5 ha

7 17/03/2010 Pakkumarathery 10 ha

8 14/03/2011 Coffee Store 1.5 ha

9 01/04/2011 Pakkumarthery 8 ha

54

3.7.4. Insect attacks and pathological problems

Insect attacks and pathlogical problems are not reported from the Park areas.

3.7.5. Wildlife Health

The Rajamallay group of tahr, due to constant interaction with humans, is known

to be affected by worms of Amphistoma sp and Fasciola sp ( Report of analysis by Govt

Vet Surgeon, Munnar, 2011) The presence of cattle along the fringe poses the threat of

outbreak of rinderpest and foot and mouth disease. Vaccination is being carried out in

these areas every year.

3.7.6. Inter agency Programmes and Problems:

The operation of governmental and non governmental agencies in the National

Park areas is limited. The developmental activity carried out by the local self

governmental organistions is the only programme in this category. The participation of

the National Park in the formulation of these programmes is limited and there has been

some conflict during the implementation of these programmes. The co-operation with

the tea estates which occupies the southern boundary of the Park especially the

Thalayar group is limited. Enhancing the co-operation with the estate management will

help in the better management of the Park.

The co-operation of High Range Wildlife and Environment Preservation

Association (HRWEPA) in the visitor management activities in the National park is

crucial. The co-operation extended by HRWEPA for the infrastructural development for

visitor management has helped in the successful management of huge inflow of visitor

to the National Park. The entire infrastructure at 5th Mile entrance to the tourism zone

of the Park is done with the co-operation of HRWEPA and KDHP. Their co-opration will

be crucial in the future development at Lakkom waterfall managed by the Lakkomkudy

EDC.

The annual census operation is carried out with the help of experts, KFRI,

College of Forestry, non-governmental organizations and non-governmental individuals.

Their co-operation has been of great help in successful implementation of the census

operation in the Park.

55

3.8. Ecotourism 3.8.1. Visitor Management From less than a thousand during the eighties, the number of visitors has risen to

around 4.5 lakh during the kurinji flowering in 2006 and the average number of visitor

during the last 3 years has been around 4 lakhs annually. In anticipation of the boom of

visitors during 2006 in connection with the Kurinji flowering, the present visitor

management system was introduced with the help of eco development committees of

local dependent population. In addition to the existing 5 EDCs, 2 professional EDCs of

local dependent drivers and vendors were formed. All the private vehicles were stopped

at 5th mile, 4 km away from the tourism zone of the park and a departmental system for

transportation of visitor was introduced with the help of eco-development committees.

The members of Drivers EDC are engaged for plying the six buses owned by the EDCs

used for the transportation of visitors to the Park. The members of Vendors EDC are

engaged for managing the vending outlets in the tourism zone and Fifth Mile, the

entrance to the National Park. Additional members of tribal EDCs were trained in visitor

management and used for the visitor management in the tourism zone.

Visitors, taken to the tourism zone in the departmental system, are allowed to

walk 1 km along a black topped road in the tourism zone where they may get an

opportunity for a close look of Nilgiri tahr which is very much habituated to human

presence. The check post operating at Rajamala regulates the entry and exit of vehicles

to and from the tourism zone. An Interpretation Centre “Story of the Park” is provided

inside the National Park at Rajamala, where a few exhibits are displayed to educate and

explain the importance of the protected area and its biodiversity. `The enquiry counter

at 5th Mile provides information on the protected areas and ecotourism programmes

under Wildlife Division Munnar in general and on Eravikulam National Park in

particular.

The members of drivers EDC who operates the vehicles and the watchers

engaged in the tourism zone helps in the interpretation and guidance to the visitors. For

the visitors amenity facilities like Cafeteria, Amenity Centre, Ecoshop, Toilets etc are

maintained at 5th mile, the entrance to the Park and in the Tourism Zone. The activities

of the EDCs are managed by Anamudy Forest Development Agency, under Wildlife

Division, Munnar. The revenue collected from the visitors as entry fee goes to the

Government and rest of the collections including the bus charges, collection from the

56

outlets and amenity centres operated by the EDCs goes to the Anamudy Forest

Development Agency, through the individual EDCs. The expenditure needed for the

maintenance of EDC activities are provided to the individuals EDC from Anamudy

Forest Development Agency by the Member Secretary and Chief Executive Officer. The

details are attached as table 14, 15, 16 1nd 17. There is an information gap that exists

for the visitors to the National Park. A proper interpretation package is to be framed

and implemented to bridge the gap.

The Lakkom water falls at Lakkom is managed by the members of Lakkomkudy

EDC. The visitors are allowed to enjoy the beautiful water fall originating from the

National Park. Aminities like toilets, locker room, tea and snacks etc are also provided

for the visitors. An eco shop operated by the EDC sells the various products including

the tribal produces to the visitors to generate income to the EDC. The number of visitors

to Lakkom falls is on the rise. The visitor management and the waste management have

been an issue here, especially during the peak months. A visitor management strategy

needs to be developed for the area for future management.

The Gouldsburys trail, two day trekking and camping programme to

Parappayarkudy, short trekking programmes at Rajamala, short trekking and camping

programme at Lakkom and one day conducted tour programmes by the EDCs are on

the anvil.

The whole financial transactions the EDC are managed by the apex body of the

EDCs, the Anamudy Forest Development Agency.

Table-14: Visitors and income details

Year

No. of visitors Govt. Revenue (Rs.)

FDA income (Rs.)

Employment generated (M days)

Rajamala Lakkom

22000077--0088 33,,2200,,555511 3388,,228866 7711,,5599,,116699 7722,,5511,,554422 1122,,330055

22000088--0099 33,,9955,,556633 5577,,119922 8844,,9988,,220088 11,,4422,,4400,,665599 2244,,117711

2009-10 3,91,151 74,030 97,56,170 1,58,77,287 27,693

2010-11 3,84,359 1,06,708 81,12,095 1,47,20,446 27,206

57

Table-15: Visitors details - Rajamala and Lakkom 2004-05 to 2010-11

Sl. no Year Rajamala Lakkom

1 2004-05 2,59,132 ---

2 2005-06 3,04,541 ---

3 2006-07 4,52,428 8,139

4 2007-08 3,17,843 38,286

5 2008-09 3,78,419 57,192

6 2009-10 3,91,151 74,030

7 2010-11 3,84,359 1,06,708

Table-16: Month wise visitors and income - Rajamala 2010-11

Month Adults Children Foreig ners

Total Govt. revenue

FDA income

April 32,221 7,118 563 39,902 7,74,980 13,56,673 May 43,299 8,584 344 52,227 9,20,945 18,47,477 June 25,890 3,068 205 29,163 5,61,640 10,37,923 July 15,702 1,497 1,038 18,237 6,09,520 6,88,674 Aug 23,207 5,279 1,050 29,536 7,36,500 12,08,595 Sept 26,902 6,813 578 34,293 7,00,035 13,91,114 Oct 27,865 7,872 526 36,263 6,74,120 14,66,651 Nov 31,708 10,688 667 43,063 9,09,960 16,55,376 Dec 35,060 11,687 678 47,425 9,83,405 20,48,206 Jan 39,843 12,874 1,533 54,250 12,40,990 20,19,757 Feb 0 0 0 0 0 0 Mar 0 0 0 0 0 0

Total 3,01,697 75,480 7,182 3,84,359 81,12,095 1,47,20,446

3.8.2. Conservation Education Conservation education is an important part of information dissemination aimed

at spreading the message of nature conservation. As part of this, nature awareness

camps are conducted in Eravikulam National Park in the Nature Education Centre,

Munnar. The centre is equipped with facilities like TV, DVD, LCD Projector and

educative materials on nature conservation. 49 nature camps were conducted in 2010-

11 in which 1853 participants took part. 88% of the camps were for students and 12%

for Nature Clubs and other organization. The details are shown in table 18.

58

Table-17: Monthwise visitors and income at Lakkom 2010-11

Month No. of visitors FDA income

April 10,690 97,818

May 28,301 2,42,470

June 7,715 88,175

July 4,121 66,043

August 5,551 67,467

September 8,092 76,930

October 6,512 67,227

November 7,063 65,977

December 8,375 70,799

January 9,033 72,399

February 6,128 54,212

March 5,127 48,261

Total 1,06,708 10,17,778

Table-18: Details of nature camps

Sl.No Year Total camps Total participants

1 2005-06 49 1,828

2 2006-07 59 2,030

3 2007-08 64 1,955

4 2008-09 52 1,983

5 2009-10 52 2,071

6 2010-11 49 1,853

3.9. Research, monitoring and training 3.9.1. Research & monitoring

Being the last remnant of the unique shola-grassland system and the ecological

riddles associated with it, the National Park provides excellent opportunities for

research and monitoring. There were many studies in the past conducted by different

research institutions. Some of the notable studies were Rice (1984), Karunakaran et al

59

(1998), Madhusudan (1995), Easa (1996), Menon(1997) etc. In 1984, Union Christian

College, Alwaye initiated the first systematic Tahr survey which is being carried out

annually ever since. Census of birds is conducted periodically. All these studies and

census emphasize the need for continuous monitoring of vegetation and animal

population in the area. The study of bio diversity of the shola forest is to be carried out

to asses the biodiversity value of this eco system. Apart from this, it was felt that a long

term monitoring on the effects of burning should be studied. Every year, the Park is

conducting nature education camps for school/college students and interested NGOs as

part of its extension programmes. There is no institutionalized training programme as

such for the Park staff.

Areas needing emphasis in research and monitoring is included in the relevant

paregraphs of the plan.

3.9.2. Training The National park holds the largest viable population of Nilgiri Tahr and is the

largest stretch of the least disturbed shola grassland ecosystem in the Western Ghats.

The management is taken up through the eco development committees of local

dependents and involves a number of extension activities including nature awareness

programmes. Being unique ecosystem, increasing number of visitors, the participatory

mode of management and constant interaction with people from different strata in the

society, the staff and EDC members are in need of training on various aspects of

management to deal with different the situations.

3.9.3. Census Eravikulam National Park is the largest and least disturbed shola grassland

ecosystem in Western Ghats. This sustains the largest viable population of endemic and

endangered Nilgiri tahr. In order to estimate the population of Tahr in Eravikulam

National Park, annual tahr censes is conducted in the National park every year as

described in para 3.6.3

The details of population estimation details of other animals are given in para

3.6.4.

60

3.10. Wildlife conservation strategies and evaluation

At present, there is no institutional arrangement to monitor the implementation

of the Management Plan and to evaluate the impacts of management. There is no

mechanism to integrate the Park management objectives and activities with the

surrounding forest divisions and tea estates. A regional conservation plan with the

involvement of nearby forest divisions, inter state co operation and involvement of the

estate management need to be prepared.

3.11. Administrative set up

Eravikulam National Park, formed as per GO (MS) 142/1978 dated 19.05.1978

(annexure 2) with head quarters at Rajamala, is one of the administrative units of

Wildlife Division, Munnar under Wildlife Warden Munnar. The Head Quarters of the

division is at Munnar, about 13km away from the National Park. The present sanctioned

strength of the National Park is given in the table below. The entire park is under single

Forest Station formed as per GO (MS) 67/2005 dated 08.06.2005 (annexure 3) with

head quarters at Lakkom. The station has an out post and check post at Rajamala

formed as per notification no. WL4-1458/2006 dated 20.05.2006 (annexure 4). The

staff strength is shown in table 19.

Table-19: Staff strength in Eravikulam National Park

Designation Sanctioned strength Staff in position

Assistant Wildlife Warden 1 1

Wild life Assisatant 1 Nil

Deputy Ranger 1 1

Forester 3 3

Forest Guards 16 12

Forest Watchers 8 7

LD Clerk 1 1

Peon 1 1

Driver 1 1

61

Eight permanent muthuvan watchers were appointed in the Park in 2006 as per

GO.MS.418/76/AD dated 09.12.76 and GO (MS) No.47/94/F&WLD dated 16.08.94. One

forester, nine forest guards and two permenant watchers are retained at Rajamala out

post for tourism zone management.The EDC members and fringe area people are being

engaged on daily wage basis for additional support in tourism management and

protection.

3.12. Infrastructure facilities

Map. 9 : Buildings in Eravikulam National Park

62

The administrative infrastructure in Eravikulam National Park consist of the

Office cum quarters at Rajamala, the forest station at Chattamunnar and the out post

and Forest check post at Rajamala. There are 6 quarters available at for the staff and a

watch tower at Rajamala. Seven protection camps at Poovar, Varattukulam, Kolukkan,

Eravikulam, Anamudy, Meenthotty, and Pettymudy and the community halls at

Parappayarkudy and Noorady community helps in camping and protection. The Nature

Education Centre at Munnar is used for conducting nature awareness camp. For the

amenities for the visitors to Rajamala tourism zone facilities like ticket counter, enquiry

counter, interpretation centre, eco-shop, cafeteria, amenity centre, information centre

and toilet are available at Rajamala and 5th mile, which is outside the Park. At Lakkom

water fall facilities like eco-shop and pay and use toilets are available. The detailed list is

attached as table 20. Two jeeps, one mini bus and thee bikes in Eravikulam National

Park helps in protection. One revolver, two 0.303 rifles, five 0.315 rifles, two air rifles

and ammunitions, wireless towers at Rajamala and Varattukulam, 13 walkie talkies

three fixed sets and two mobile sets helps for protection. There is no motorable road

within the park except the Rajamala tourism zone and Lakkom tribal settlement. Trek

paths are used for protection activities and movement through the National Park.

Detailed list is attached as table 21.

Table 20 : Buildings in Eravikulam National Park

Sl. No Building Location

1 Asst. Wildlife Warden’s Office Rajamala

2 Inspection Bunglow Munnar

3 Doormitory Munnar

4 Information centre Munnar

5 Camping station at vagavurrai Vaguvarrai

6 Eravikulam hut Eravikulam

7 Interpretation centre Rajamala

8 Forest check post Rajamala

9 Fire watch tower Rajamala

10 Cafeteria & Pay and use toilets Rajamala

11 Type-1 Duplex Quarters Rajamala

12 Type-1 Duplex Quarters Rajamala

63

13 Forester’s Quarters Rajamala

1 Type-2 Quarters Rajamala

15 Type-2 Quarters Rajamala

16 Ticketing centre, Eco shop & cafeteria 5th mile

17 Pay and use toilets 5th mile

18 Enquiry counter 5th mile

19 Forest Station Building Lakkom

20 Type-1 Duplex Chattamunnar

21 Log house Lakkom

22 Changing room Lakkom

23 Eco shop Lakkom

24 Camp shed Poovar

25 Camp shed Varattukulam

26 Camp shed Eravikulam

27 Camp shed Kolukkan

28 Camp shed Anaimudi lower

29 Camp shed Pettymudy

30 Community hall Lakkomkudi

31 Community hall Parappayarkudi

32 Community hall Nooradikudi

33 Type II quarters Munnar

Table- 21: Details of trek paths

Sl.No Trek Paths and Patrolling Routs Distance

in Km

1 Number One – Eravikulam 8.5

2 Eravikulam – Poovar 14

3 Selvamala – Pothumala 4.5

4 Eravikulam – Kolukkan 6.5

5 Selvamala - Kumarickal 3.5

6 Lakkomkudy – Kudimala 2

7 Chattamunnar OP – Thirumudy 6

8 Varattukulam – Kattumala 3

9 Meenthotty - Anamudy 5

10 Sambamala – Parappayar 4.5

11 Cheruthannipetty - Enippara 5.6

12 Pettimudy – Parappayar 5

13 Nooradikudy – Thattukanam 4

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14 Nooradikudy – Chembikavala 5

15 Oralipara – Erumapetty 1.1

16 Chattamunnar – Log House 0.5

Total 78.7

3.13. Communication

The National Park is located 13 km away from Munnar. The head quarters of the

National Park at Rajamala and the Wildlife Warden’s office are having both telephonic,

wireless and internet facilities. Deparment has issued Mobile SIM for the staff from

Guards to Assistant Wildlife Warden. Being high altitude montane shola-grasslands, the

mobile connectivity in the PA is limited to Rajamama, Vaguvarai, Chattamunnar,

Kattumalai and Kunarikkal. As the park is surrounded by forests north, east and west,

the chance of increasing the mobile connectivity in the PA is limited. Hence the wireless

connectivity with the interiog areas of the PA is to be improved. The Forest Station at

Chattamunnar and Outpost at Rajamala are having wireless communication facilities.

The wireless tower at Varattukulam facilitates the communication with the filed. The

National Park is having it’s own website www.eravikulam.org.

Wildlife Warden Assistant Wildlife Warden The Wildlife Warden Assistant Wildlife Warden, Wildlife Division, Eravikulam National Park, Munnar, Rajamala, Idukki District, Munnar. Kerala. Idukki District, Kerala. Pin-685612. Pin-685612. Tel: 91-4865-231587 (Office) Tel: 91-4865-208255 (Office) Mob: 9447979093 Mob: 8547603200 E-mail: ww-munnar@forest.kerala.gov.in E-mail:ro-eravikulam@forest.kerala.gov.in

3.14. Summary of threats to wildlife 3.14.1. Invasive alien species

The National Park is surrounded on the southern sides by tea estates owned by

Thalayar group and KDHP Comapny. These estates use eucalyptus and wattle as fuel

wood. At many points along these boundaries the remnants of old eucalyptus and wattle

plantations still remain. There is every chance that these species spread into the

65

National Park. There should a systematic removal of these exotic species to avoid

spread of the same into the National Park areas in the future.

3.14.2. Grazing

There is marginal grazing in and around Lakkom tribal settlement, Palland,

Coffee store and Chattamunnar area along the boundary of the National Park. There are

96 cattle in total in these areas. The people from Chattamunnar, Pallanad and Coffee

Store attempt to set fire the Park areas to make available fresh grass. The grazing needs

to be completely stopped by exploring alternate options.

3.14.3. Ganja Cultivation

There are no cases of ganja cultivation is the Park areas during the plan period.

But there were instances of transportation of ganja through the Park areas from

Marayoor. Even now there are chances for the same in the remote areas along the

interstate boundary and the boundary with Maryoor and Munnar divisions. Constant

vigil is needed in these areas.

3.14.4. Hunting and poaching

There have been no cases of hunting or poaching in the Park areas over the last 5

years. But the presence of human settlements along the boundaries and tea estates

makes the areas vulnerable for hunting or poaching including tahr along the Park

boundaries having human habitation.

3.14.5. Fire

Fire is the single and most important threat to the shola grassland ecosystem.

Though there are no major fire incident over the last 5 years, taking into consideration

of the present situation is the National Park, there is every chance for spread of fire into

the Park from the estates and human habitations along the southern, eastern and

weastern boundaries. There should be great vigilance on the part of Park management

to prevent such instances. There are chances of spread of fire from interstate boarder

especially during dry years. The tourism zone is highly vulnerable due to the constant

human and vehicular movement during the dry season. Earlier there were instances of

setting fire the Park areas and outside at Chinnapoovar, Kumarikkal, Perumalmala,

66

Nayoli, Poovar and Pothady areas by sandal and ganja smugglers to divert the attention

of the staff and watchers and thus further their illicit activities.

3.14.6. Human Wildlife Conflict

The tribal settlement inside the National Park at Lakkom, the three settlements

along the western boundary of the National Park and the human habitation at Coffee

Store and Palland are affected by the wildlife from the National Park. Main crop is the

Lakkomkudy tribal settlement is lemon grass which is not affected by Wildlife. But other

crops like tubers, vegetables etc are damaged by sambar, wild boar etc. There were

instances of cattle lifting by tigers from these areas.

Parappayar, Parakkudy and Nooradykudy are badly affected by the wild animals.

The main crop in these settlements is cardamom. This crop is extensively damaged by

elephants. There were cultivation of crops like ragi, rice etc in these settlements

especially Nooradykudy in the past. This has been stopped mainly due to the attack of

gaur and elephants. Chembukulamkudy, a part of Nooradykudy, has been completely

abandoned due to the attack of wild animals. The movements between these

settlements are at times badly affected by the wildlife.

3.14.7. Soil erosion

The shola grass land ecosystem is very sensitive. The trek paths and patrolling

routes are subjected to severe soil erosion due to exposure of soil to heavy rainfall in

Eravikulam National Park. The sectioning of trek paths and patrolling routes is not done

and the damaged portions are recouped using indigenous materials and preparing cross

drains. Land slips have occurred in the Park during heavy rainfall years. Such areas are

to be recouped using brushwood structures and gully plugging using indigenous

materials.

3.14.8. Encroachment

The right of tribals over land at Lakkomkudy is settled as per forest rights act

and the boundary is demarcated with kayyala. But it requires repair at some places .The

boundary at Chattamunnar area is vague and about 16 families have occupied about 5

Ha of land prior to this plan, without any rights. The legality of the occupation has to be

verified. The boundary with KDHP is demarcated with survey stones and rock marks

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and is vague at many points in the southern boundary. The boundary has to be clearly

demarcated with permanent cairns.

3.14.9. Wildlife disease

The Rajamallay groups of Tahr, due to constant interaction with humans, are

known to be affected by worms of Amphistoma sp and Fasciola sp (Analysis report by

Govt Vet Surgeon, Munnar, 2011). The presence of cattle on the fringe poses the threat

of outbreak of rinderpest and foot and mouth disease. Vaccination is being carried out

every year in these areas.

3.14.10 Firewood and NWFP collection

As the National Park is a grass land ecosystem, the removal of firewood by the

estate dwellers and the tribals is very less. The tribal community collects fire wood,

thatching grass and NTFP, mainly honey, from the Park and adjoining areas. Thre are

instances of marginal collection of fire wood from the park areas by esate labourers

from Chattamunnar, Pallanad and Coffee store. The honey collected from the Park and

adjoining areas is sold through eco develop committees for their livelihood. The people

in the area under occupation at Chattamunnar collect fire wood from the area under

occupation. All these activities are marginal and do not pose much impact in the

National Park.

3.14.11. Road through Tourism zone and police wireless station

The only motorable road through the National Park passes through the tourism

zone of the park connecting, the Munnar- Udumalpet road to Pettymudy. This is the only

route available for the inhabitants at Rajamala, Pettymudy and tribal people from

Edamalakudy, the largest tribal settlement in Kerala. With the declaration of

Edamalakudy as the first tribal Panchayath in Kerala, there is every chance that the

National Park will have an increased vehicular transit. The vehicular movement should

be controlled with the help of local dependents through FDA. The chance for providing

alternate route to Pettymudy is to be explored.

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CHAPTER 4

THE PROTECTED AREA AND THE INTERFACE LAND USE SITUATION

69

4.1. The existing situation in the zone of influence

There is only one muthuvan settlement, Lukkom kudy inside the park located

on the southern boundary. There is an old occupation of about 5 Ha at Chattamunnar

near the Lakkomkudy in the southern boundary of the Park, which has no records

regarding the time of occupation.

The three settlements at Parappayarkudy, Parakudy and Nooradikudy along

the western boundary of the Park are part of Edamalakudy, the first Tribal Panchayath

in Kerala. The area is under Munnar range of Munnar Division. There are a number of

tribal settlements in Koodakkad proposed reserve under Marayur Sandal Division along

the eastern boundary of the National Park.

The Lakkomkudy Muthuvan tribal settlement located inside the Park is having an area

of 44.088 Ha (as per survey in 2010 under Forest Rights Act), which is clearly

demarcated with Kayyala. The rights over the land as per Forest Rights Act is settled

and title issued to 45 families. Muthuvans are hill cultivators belonging to Madurai of

Tamilnadu and migrated to High Ranges in the 14th Centaury. They were practicing

shifting cultivation. But now they have started settled agriculture. The people from

Lakkomkudy basically depend on agriculture and the employment in the National Park

for their sustenance. Their association with the Park started from the colonial period

and still continues. They mainly cultivate the Lemon Grass, Cardamom as cash crops.

They also cultivate vegetables and tuber crops for their own consumption. They rear

cattle in limited numbers and are grazed in the settlements and the nearby National

Park areas. They collect NTFP mainly honey, limited quantity of fire wood and thatching

grass from the Park areas. They depend on the Park for drinking water and irrigation.

As an endorsement for the close association of the muthuvans with the park, 8

muthuvan watchers were made permanent, of which 6 are from Lakkomkudy. The daily

waged mazdoor from this tribal settlement are employed in the visitor management,

interior protection and fire protection in the National Park. Their land holding is limited

and more opportunities need to be created for the people from the Lakkomkudy to

make available sustainable income for them.

Three Muthuvan tribal settlements namely Parappayarkudy, Parakkudy and

Nooradykudy on the western boundary of the Park have been involved in the

management of the Park for nearly one decade. Details of tribal settlements are shown

70

in table 22 and Fig. 10. They depend on agriculture for their sustenance. These three

settlements Parappayarkudy, Parakudy and Nooradykudy, located along the western

boundary of the Park, are basically cut away from the outside world for want of

infrastructure facilities. They are 5-13 km away from the nearby motorable road at

Pettymudy. Parakudy consist of Chennayparakudy, Parakudy and Perunkadavukudy.

Nooradykudy consist of Chembukulamkudy and Nooradykudy. Chembukulamkudy is

now abandonment due to severe crop damages by wild animals. The eco development

committees formed in these settlements of have a great influence in their attitude. Many

people from the settlements were involved in ganja cultivation, hunting and smuggling

of sandal before the formation of the EDCs. Now they help for the visitor management

and protection activities of the Park. The people in these settlements depend on

agriculture for their income generation. Cardamom is the main crop. They also cultivate

food crops like ragi, vegetables and tuber crops for own consumption. Severe pest and

disease problems to cardamom during the last 5 years have negatively influenced their

income generation. All the settlements depend on the National Park for the drinking

water. These settlements, though located outside the National Park, have been actively

involved in the management of the Park. Two of them were employed as a permanent

watcher and 17 have been employed on daily wages in the visitor management and

protection activities in the National Park. As the settlements are located deep inside the

forest areas, there is enough scope for enhancing their co- operation by implementing

eco development programmes aimed at improving their standard of living to ensure

sustainable income and improvement of infrastructural facilities in the settlements.

The people from tribal settlements along the eastern boundary of the National

Park in the Marayoor Range under the Marayoor Sandal Division collect drinking water

and NTFP especially honey from the National Park. But their co-operation is limited to

engaging few of them during the fire season. There are chances for the spread of fire

from these settlements to the Park areas, the help for the transportation of illegal

materials like sandal and ganja through the Park areas and engage in ganja cultivation

and hunting. Hence increasing the co-operation with the tribal settlement is highly

essential for the long term protection of the Park.

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Table 22 - Details of settlements

Name of settlement

Family Population area Remarks

Lakkomkudy 46 168 44.088 Ha Within Park Parappayarkudy 56 204 - Fringe

Parakkudy 24 73 - Fringe Nooradykudy 32 105 - Fringe

The occupation at Chattamunnar consists of 16 families from nearby estates and

they occupy an area of about 5 ha. They are all casual labourers in the nearby estates

and do marginal farming. They have constructed semi permanent sheds in the area.

They do not have much dependence on the Park other than the marginal farming,

collection of drinking water and fire wood from the area under occupation.

The southern boundary of the Park is tea estates owned by Thalayar Group and

KDHP companies. The Kadalar tea estste of KDHP is also adjacent to the Park. There is a

population of 10,000 people along the boundary the National Park, mainly Tamil

speaking labourers of the tea estates. They mainly depend on the National Park for

drinking water. There were attempts of hunting and snearing of wild animals including

tahr along the boundary with tea estates. But this practice has been under control now.

The people from Pallanad, Cofee store and Chattamunnar collects fire wood and graze

the cattle in the Park areas. The boundary with Pallanad, Coffee Store and

Chattamunnar is the most fire prone area of the Park. The tea estates at Chattamunnar,

Vaguvarai lower and Vaguvarai top collect the irrigation and drinking water from

streams originating from the Park. Frequent interaction with the tea estate management

along the southern boundary will help a lot in controlling illegal activities from the

estate dwellers.

4.1.1. PA People Mutual impact

The southern boundary of Eravikulam National Park is the corporate tea estates

owned by Thalayar group of companies and KDHP Company. There is one tribal

settlement, Lakkomkudy, inside the National Park in the southern boundary. The tribal

settlement is clearly demarcated and the right over the land is settled. They rear few

cattle and are grazed in the settlement and Park areas surrounding the settlement.

There is small scale collection of fire wood, thatching grass and NWFP from the National

72

Park area by the people from Lakkomkudy. There is marginal collection of fire wood

and cattle grazing from the

Map.10 : Tribal settlements in Eravikulam National Park

73

estates people along the boundary at Chattamunnar, Coffee store and Pallanad. The

settlements outside the National Park in the western boundary, Parappayar, Parakkudy

and Nooradykudy under Munnar Division and the settlements in Koodakkad proposed

reserve under Marayoor Division depends the National Park for NWFP, especially

honey. The impact of the collection of fire wood, NWFP etc. is negligible as the activities

are marginal.

The people in the area under occupation at Chattamunnar do marginal farming

in the area and collect fire wood from the area. This does not have much impact on the

National Park.

There were cases of attempt to hunt the animals especially by noosing by the

estate labourers at Chattamunnar, Pallanad, Vaguvarrai, Kadalar, Rajamala and

Pettymudy. Now the practice is controlled. There are frequent fire incidents in the Park

areas adjoining Chattamunnar, Coffee Store and Pallanad areas. This has been a problem

during the fire season.

All the people surrounding the National Park including the tribal settlements and

the tea estates at Chattamunnar, Vaguvarai lower and Vaguvarai top collect the

irrigation and drinking water from streams originating from the Park.

The crop damage by wild animals and cattle lifting has been reported from

Lakkomkudy, Pallanad, Coffee store, Parappayar, Parakkudy and Nooradykudy. At times

this negatively effect on their sustenance and this need to be addressed.

The road that passes through the tourism zone of the National Park is used by

tribal people from Edamalakudy, estate laborers and staff from Pettymudy and

Rajamala estates of KDHP Company. This and the police wireless station located in the

grass lands adjoining the National Park have been negatively affecting the tahr

population in the tourism zone of the park.

4.2. The development programmes and conservation issues 4.2.1. An evaluation of Government and nongovernmental agencies Different governmental agencies especially local self government operates in all

the settlements, area under occupation at Chattamunnar and tea estates along the

southern boundary without intimating the Park management. There in no participation

of the Park management in the planning of these programmes by line departments. This

has caused some issues during the implementation of the developmental processes

74

programmes. As far as possible these activities are to be carried out through the EDCs

operating in the area.

4.2.2. The interplay of market forces and their impact The income generated from agricultural operations in Lakkomkudy tribal

settlement is very less as the area of the settlement is less. This limits the income

generation potential and forces the people to depend on external agents for financial

help during emergencies. The EDC at Lakkomkudy is very active and is able to positively

interface in the socio-economic situation in the settlement. The EDC helps in the

collection and marketing of the produces from the settlements, helping them to get good

and steady price for their produce. The Park is able to generate employment

opportunities for the people from the settlement by involving them in the Park

management including visitor management, fire management activities and other

protection programmes. More opportunities need to be made available for them

through ecotourism and ecodevelopment to make the people self reliant.

The tribal settlements at Parappayar, Parakkudy and Nooradykudy, they mainly

depend on cultivation of cardamom for their sustenance. The pest and disease problems

are very high in the crop for the last 5 years and this has negatively affected their

income generation. This situation has forced them to depend on external forces during

crisis situation. More need to be done to take these people away from the situation by

interfering in increasing the income generation from agriculture, marketing of the

produce in developing alternate income generation opportunities and ecotourism

programmes. Crop damage by wild animal is a serious issue especially in Nooradykudy.

Positive intervention is needed in this regard.

4.2.2.1 Eco development initiatives Eco development committees are operational in all the four tribal settlements.

But the activities are very limited in comparison to the situation in the settlements.

More opportunities needed to be provided for them to ensure sustainable livelihood for

the inhabitants of Lakkomkudy through eco development initiatives.

Parappayar, Parakkudy and Nooradykudy are having many limitations due to the

inaccessibility to these settlements. Positive interventions are needed for increasing the

accessibility to these settlements, to enhance the agricultural production, help in

75

marketing of the produce. The socio-economic situation is to be improved by making

available educational, medical and infrastructure facilities in the settlements.

In addition to the four tribal EDCs, there are three professional EDCs namely

Watchers EDC, Vendors EDC and Drivers EDC. The members are mainly local

dependents from the nearby tea estates. Being widely distributed, there are no

community oriented programmes for these EDCs. Specific programmes that benefit for

the whole community need to be formulated to benefit the members of these EDCs.

The programmes should be formulated during the revision of the micro plans of

the EDCs taking into consideration of the nature of the tribal EDCs and professional

EDCs.

All the people surrounding the National Park including the tribal settlements and

the tea estates at Chattamunnar, Vaguvarai lower and Vaguvarai top collect the

irrigation and drinking water from streams originating from the Park. For this they have

constructed some structures in the Park before the declaration of the Park. These

structures need periodic repair and maintanace. The possibility of shifting these

structures outside the Park or repairing the through FDA should be explored.

There has not been much interaction between the tribal settlements in the

Koodakkad proposed reserve along the eastern boundary and local people at

Chattamunnar, Coffee Store and Pallanad situated along the southern boundary. The

chance for closer interaction like the formation of EDCs / work in association with the

VSS need to be explored to have a closer relation with the Park management to gain

their confidence and reducing the negative impacts on the Park. As a follow up the

chance for the introduction of eco development activities can be explored.

76

PART - II PROPOSED MANAGEMENT

77

Vision

“Conservation of the largest viable population of endemic

and endangered Nilgiri tahr and the unique shola grassland

ecosystem with the help of local community”

78

CHAPTER 5

PLAN OBJECTIVES AND PROBLEMS

Vision

“Conservation of the largest viable population of endemic and endangered Nilgiri tahr and the unique shola grassland

ecosystem with the help of local community”

79

5.1. Objectives of Management

1. To conserve the unique and endangered shola-grassland ecosystem

2. To conserve the largest known population of Nilgiri Tahr

3. To include critical and contiguous areas found outside PA but within the high

range landscape unit

4. To ensure sustaining and enhancing ecosystem services of the PA

5. To manage the watershed and habitat to conserve the shola-grassland ecosystem and for

the benefit of local dependant communities.

6. To create awareness among public, visitors and stakeholder through

strengthened education and interpretation programmes

7. To prepare and implement visitor management plan by assessing the carrying

capacity of visitation

8. To Strengthen PA-People relation especially Muduvans, NGOs and other

stakeholders in the management

9. To generate data for future management and planning through scientific studies

to achieve the above objectives

5.2. Problems/constraints in achieving the objectives of management

Objective 1: To conserve the unique and endangered shola-grassland ecosystem

Constraints Strategies Desiccation changing the local climate Landscape level management involving tea

estates and territorial divisions Ecological boundaries technically outside

Addition of more areas KDH Company to prepare a management

plan which dovetails with ENP management plan

Vagueness of boundaries and lack of proper demarcation

Proper demarcation of the boundaries

Habitat degradation due to unmanaged fires

Preparation of fire management plan controlled burning regimes (previous

practice to be followed) Extent of burning to be limited to the actual

areas grazed by tahr (rotation of burning once in three years)

Develop a protocol for scientific monitoring of effects of controlled burning,

study and document impact of burning as per the protocol

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Maintain journal of soil health in burnt and unburnt areas

Participatory fire management No scraping of fire lines

Poaching, Illicit removal of NWFP, cattle grazing, fuelwood collection, weed infestation etc along the fringes

Strengthening ecodevelopment activities Vaccination of fringe area cattle (twice an

year) Strengthening communication facilities Prepare and implement the ‘Protection Plan’

with requirement of arms, ammunitions, vehicles, camping equipments (sleeping bags, cooking gas, etc)

Interstate co-ordination to be strengthened Eradication of exotic species in the fringes

and critical areas to be added Monitoring of ingressive species Free ration to interior camps, medical aid Training in unarmed combat, legal assistance Rented accommodation for the family of staff

working in interior areas Wattle and eucalyptus plantation on the periphery in Munnar & Marayur divisions

Bringing the plantation areas to natural status in a phased manner

No more future planting and coppice maintenance

Inadequate information on RET sp. Scientific studies, documentation and dissemination of information

Assessment of field status of RET species (get required details from scientists)

Lack of training and incentives to staff Identify the training needs Impart training to staff Maintain a record for training with relevant

details Rewards to informants Incentives to staff and EDC members who

excel in performance Inadequate awareness among stakeholders

Conduct awareness camps for various target groups such as tour operators, guides, taxi drivers. DACs (Divisional Advisory Committees) of Company (Nemakkad, Rajamala, Kadalar and Vaguvarai estates), DTPC, Hoteliers, local educational institutions, etc

Lacuna in knowledge regarding dynamics of ecosystem

Conduct study on ecosystem dynamics

Massive visitor pressure

Conduct carrying capacity study and limiting the number of tourists accordingly

Prepare and implement a visitor management plan

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Ticketing time to be limited to 8am to 4 pm Introduce a park interpretation movie at 5th

mile. Explore possibility of shifting the ticketing

station to Munnar / Marayur Ensure security by installing a metal detector Development of additional parking area Redefine the closure period Maintenance of basic amenities to visitors Training of EDC members for proper

interpretation of the park values Develop signages with sufficient information

along the route Private shops and parking at 5th mile and disposal of plastic wastes

Take up the matter with RDO (to develop an institutional mechanism involving PWD/

Panchayat/Police/Health/Company authorities/DTPC/PCB/ PVS/Media (Local & Tamil) to solve and monitor the issue )

Road Traffic through tourism zone leading to Edamalakkudy

In case if a vehicular traffic to kudy is to be started, the same shall be operated by the FDA with adequate checking facilities

Explore the possibility of linking the road in Kadalar with that in Pettimudi with necessary checking facilities

Explore the possibilities for rope way

Objective 2: To conserve the largest known population of Nilgiri Tahr

Constraints Strategies

In addition to the above, Lack of monitoring of health and

diseases Inadequacy of studies on population

dynamics, movement pattern, natality & mortality, habitat requirements, breeding biology.

Over familiarity of tahr at Rajamally with people o Use of pesticide in the immediate

fringes o Movement of the tahr to outside

the park boundaries, even to public road

o Police wireless station o Traffic in night hours. o Predation by Stray dogs

Develop and implement health and animal

monitoring protocol Veterinary Doctor and supporting team to be

in position Conduct nutritional studies on food species

in different seasons Animal birth control programme (stray dog

control) with the help of FDA and local panchayat and SPCA

Conduct studies on population dynamics, movement pattern, natality & mortality, habitat requirements, breeding biology,

Non invasive genetic diversity studies of tahr population of ENP and adjoining areas

Inter-department co-ordination for regulating animal husbandry activities around the park

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Objective 3: To include critical and contiguous areas found outside PA but within the high range landscape unit Constraints Strategies

Legal status is either KDH or RF Critical areas outside are

Kumarickal, Kattumala and Perumalmala of Marayur division (5 sq.km around 100 tahrs); Erumappetti (3.7 sq.km 70 tahrs), Pettimudi, Sambamala, Karikombu, of Munnar Division (150 tahrs, 37 sq.km area), Panthumala and

Identification and notification of critical wildlife habitat pending under tribal right Act.

Declaration of ecosensitve zone pending

Old proposal for addition of 32 sq.km area may be moved.

Proposal for addition of Meenthotty, Panthumala, Pettimudi, areas.

The plantations adjoining the park and lying in territorial divisions (Munnar and Marayur)may be brought back to the natural status as prescribed in the respective working plans

Settle the issue related to Tribal Right

Act Persue action for declaring

ecosensitive zone Objective 4: To ensure sustaining and enhancing ecosystem services of the PA

Constraints Strategies

Lack of landscape level planning and management

No documentation on the ecosystem services

Ecologically unsustainable management practices in the case of clearing firelines, construction of trekpaths.

Lack of interstate co-ordination Plantations of exotic species such

as wattle and eucalyptus

Suitable areas from 17922 acres of land set apart for afforestation from the KDH resumed lands be identified for management in congruence with NP objectives

Address throuogh protection fire and habitat management plans

Objective 5: To manage the watershed and habitat to conserve the shola-

grassland ecosystem and for the benefit of local dependant communities. Constraints Strategies

Lack of information on the distribution of water resources in the PA

Presence of exotic weeds along the

boundary and erosive damage to shola grassland ecoystem

Mapping of water resources and preparation of drainage map

Monitoring of ingressive exotic species along the boundaries

Eradication of exotic weeds along the boundaries and areas proposed to be added

Bring the plantations of exotic species along the boundary of the National Park into natural status

Eradication of eupatorium on experimental basis by establishing permanent plots and monitor the

83

changes Controlling the erosion and repair

damaged trek paths and land slips in grasslands and shola forests as needed

Objective 6: To create awareness among public, visitors and stakeholder through strengthened education and interpretation programmes

Constraints Strategies

No interpretation and education plan

inadequate interpretation facilities No nature education officer and

support staff

Develop a plan for education and interpretation in the park and implement

Develop and maintain interpretation facilities

Propose for Nature Education Officer and support staff through FDA

Objective 7: To prepare and implement visitor management plan by assessing the carrying capacity of visitation

Constraints Strategies

No carrying capacity study is done so far

No visitor management plan No ecotourism officer and

support staff No system of waste disposal Inadequate parking space Entry fee is not rolled back to

PA No eco-development

surcharge is realized from tourist

Lack of proper awareness among tourists, tour operators, taxi-auto drivers, hoteliers, local people and staff about management of the Park

Lack of information about the negative impact of tourism on tourism zone

Inadequate co-ordination between departments

Closure period not specified Teasing/ feeding of tahrs by

visitors Inadequate system on

feedback from visitors

All the constraint were already proposed under other objectives

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Objective 8: To Strengthen PA-People relation especially Muduvans, NGOs and other stakeholders in the management

Constraints Strategies

Community rights not settled Zone of influence not

demarcated Microplanning support team

and experts not in place Capacity of EDCs weak No quantification of the

resource dependency

The practice of annual joint boundary verification with HRWEPA and Mudhuvan tribes discontinued

Slackening of relationship with company managers

Fringe area EDCs /VSS –

structural limitaitons (Munnar/Marayur / Mankulam/Anamudi FDAs)

Insufficient permanent Mudhuvan watchers and staff for the additional proposed areas

Inadequate co-operation from Panchayats and other line departments.

Inadequate drinking water facilities (tribal settlements)

Inadequate knowledge among

staff about PFM Problems of movement (from

settlement- Parakudy, Nooradikudy, Parappayarkudy) during rainy season

Means of livelihood –tribal EDCs

Facilitate settlement of community rights Participatory study to identify & demarcate zone

of influence Establish a MIST / Ecologist & Sociologist under

FDA Capacity enhancement of EDCs through training Address while revisiting microplans (fix time

frame for revisit) Monitor the resource dependency periodically Restore the system of annual boundary checking

(to be done during closure period every year –WLW to ensure ) (The same is to be incorporated in the management plan for the company)

Nemakkad, Gundumala, Thalayar estates – ensure frequent interaction between the company & park management. (The same is to be incorporated in the management plan for the company)

Develop structures for implementation - by CEOs

Propose for appointment of permanent Muduvan watchers after studying the requirement

Propose for additional staff strength Liaison with the Panchayats and line

departments through FDA Create awareness about FDA to LSGs/Line

departments Address while revisiting of microplans Address through FDA Monitoring by MIST/Ecologist/Sociologist Impart training Address while revisiting of microplans Address through FDA

Address while revisiting of microplans Address through FDA / Line departments / Address through ecotourism packages Develop vegetative barriers – study and

implement

85

Man wildlife conflict – (animals: elephant, gaur, wild boar) (crops: ragi, tapioca, corn) (damages to property) (cattle lifting by tiger )

Rocky areas – stone packing may be explored Ensure timely payment of compensation

(through FDA) Awareness creation Rescue / translocation of diseased /problematic

animals (procure tranquilizing equipments, squeeze cages, nets, etc)

Strengthen veterinary facilities Training of professionals /staff / EDC members

in rescue operations Address through ecotourism packages

Objective 9: To generate data for future management and planning through scientific studies to achieve the above objectives

Constraints Strategies

Inadequate information of meteorological data

Inadequate studies on wildlife and their habitat

Inadequate information on shola ecology including plant-animal interactions

Inadequate documentation of historic materials and tribal knowledge about park.

lack of information about the long term dynamics of the grassland shola ecosystem

Lack of information about the effects of fire

Inadequate data on impact of tourism Inadequate data on eco-development activities Inadequate information on the impact of tea

plantations on the park

Installation of meteorological stations at Rajamala, Eravikulam and Poovar

Conduct studies on wildlife and their habitat

Conduct study on shola ecology

Document historic materials and tribal knowledge about the Park

Establish permanent plots and study vegetation dynamics

Propose study to generate information on the effect of fire

Propose carrying capacity study Propose study to generation

information of ecodevelopment initiatitves and its impact

Identification and documentation of high altitude grass, herb and shrub species

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CHAPTER 6

STRATEGIES, BOUNDARIES, ZONATION, ZONE PLANS AND THEME PLANS

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6.1. Boundaries 6.1.1. Legal Boundary

As per the notification, the Park boundary mainly follows the ridges and the

description is as follows:

North: The boundary commence from the point where the Kannan Devan Hills

Produce Village boundary meets the interstate boundary between Kerala and

Tamilnadu at point 5540’ (1689m). From that point the boundary runs along the

interstate boundary passing through peaks with altitude of 3984' (1214 m), 5011'

(1527 m), 5885' (1794 m) and 7388' (2252 m) to Perattumala 7033' (2144 m). Thence

turning southeast the boundary reaches Kumarickal Mala 8275' (2522 m).

East: The boundary follows the Kannan Devan Hill Produce Village boundary along the

ridge through Kattumala 8373’ (2552m) and then to Perumalmala 7736' (2355 m) till it

reaches Thirumudi 5676' (1830 m).

South: The boundary follows the western boundary of Chattamunnar Estate (Thalayar

group), northern boundaries of Vaguvarrai and Nyamakad Estate to meet the Kannan

Devan Hill Produce Village boundary about 3 Km south west of Rajamala peak 7209'

(2197 m).

West: The boundary follows the Kannan Devan Hill Produce Village boundary to

Rajamala 7209’ (2197 m) and then turning north-east, the boundary reaches

Sampamala 7581' (2311 m) and thence to Bhimamala 4719' (1438 m) and from there

turns in a north east direction to Kolukkumalai, 7137' (2175 m) and thence proceeds in

north direction to the starting point at 5540' (1689 m) passing through Erumamalai,

7496' (2284 m) and Erumapetty malai, 6999' (2133 m).

The notification of the Natinal Park is given in Annexure 1 6.1.2. Ecological Boundaries

Since the notification follows the ridges as the boundary, the ecological

boundaries of the Park extend into the Anamalai Tiger Reserve in Tamilnadu, Chinnar

Wildlife Sanctuary under Wildlife Division, Munnar and Koodakkad proposed reserve,

under Marayur Division in the north, Koodakkad proposed reserves under Marayur

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Division in the east, the grasslands of KDHP company, Mankulam Division and Munnar

division in south and Anaimudi Reserved Forest under Munnar Division in the west.

These areas are vital as fawning and escape cover for a species like tahr. The proposals

for inclusion of these areas have not been fruitful. The National Park is also part of the

Anamudi Elephant Reserve.

These ecological continuities is to be added to the National Park to extend the

legal protection to the tahr population in the area and for the landscape. Tea estate

forms the boundary of the Park in the southern side. These estates adjoining the Park

have to be managed by plans that dovetail with the management of Eravikulam National

Park. A landscape level management, with the National Park as the focus, that involves

the tea estate and the territorial divisions, is necessary for ensuring complete protection

of the tahr habitats.

6.1.3. Internal Boundaries

There is no internal demarcation in the Park.

6.2. Zonation The PA was divided into various zones to provide a geographical framework for

management, indicate management priorities in different parts of the Park, indicate the

types and levels of use appropriate throughout the Park, assist in minimizing existing

and potential conflicts between uses and activities and the protection of Park values and

to provide a basis for assessing the suitability of future activities and development

proposals.

In order to achieve the objective, the National Park and its adjoining areas are

proposed to be managed as the following zones:

A. Within PA

1. Core zone 2. Buffer zone

Tourism and awareness zone Eco-Development zone

B. Outside PA

1. Proposed additional area 2. Eco-sensitive zone

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The total extent of the Park as per the notification is 97 km2. Of this an extent of

about 1 km2 on the southern side of the Park is being used for tourism and awareness

and this constitute the tourism and awareness zone of the park. In addition,

Lakkamkudy tribal settlement with an extent of 44.088 ha is located on the southern

boundary of the PA. The settlement area with 200 m impact zone in the surrounding

region of the settlement is the ecodevelopment zone. These areas together form the

buffer zone of the Park. The rest of the area 95.18 km2 constitute the core area of the

Park.

Since many shola grasslands outside the Park are important for the tahr

population in the Park (as detailed in section 6.3.3.), those areas are proposed to be

added into the Park and constitute the proposed additional area.. The proposed

additional area will be managed in tune with the management prescriptions for buffer

zone of the Park in all respects.

In addition, some of the critical habitats in the surrounding of the PA are

proposed to be declared as eco-sensitive zone.

6.3. Zone Plans 6.3.1. Core zone

The core zone is an inviolate area where human interventions are strictly

restricted. The whole areas except the buffer zone, which consists of the tourism and

awareness zone and the eco-development zone, constitute the core zone of the Park.

The total area of core zone is 95.18 km2 (Map. 11). The focus of management is the

conservation of the largest viable population Nilgiri tahr in the world along with the

largest stretch of unique shola grassland eco-system in Western Ghats for ecological and

environmental benefits. In the core zone, the following activities will be allowed to be

implemented during the plan period:

Protection from illegal activities and other specific issues in the core as detailed

in the Theme Plan for ‘Protection’ in section 6.4.1

Fire protection activities including controlled burning and participatory fire

management as given in Theme Plan for ‘Fire Protection’ under section 6.4.2

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Map. 11 - Management Zones of Eravikulam National Park

91

Activities as proposed in Theme Plan for ‘Watershed and habitat management’

under section 6.4.3.

Research, monitoring, scientific studies to facilitate improved protection and

management of core zone (Chapter 9).

6.3.2. Buffer zone

Buffer zone of the Park consists of the tourism zone and the ecodevelopment

zone. The total area of the buffer is 1.82 Km2 of which 1 km2 is the tourism and

awareness zone and 0.82 km2 is the ecodevelopment zone.

6.3.2.1. Tourism and awareness zone

The tourism and awareness zone, overlapping with the buffer zone, consists of

the areas on either side of the road from 5th mile to Rajamala along with the ridge

between the Kadalar and Nyamakad estates. Thus the total extent of the tourism zone is

about 1 km2 (Map 11). The tourism and awareness zone will be managed with focus on

visitor management; nature-based regulated ecotourism programmes and promote

environmental conservation awareness. All the activities in this zone will strictly be

implemented as described in the chapter on ‘Tourism, Interpretation and Conservation

Edcuation’ (Chatper 7).

6.3.2.2. Ecodevelopment zone

The ecodeveopment zone, overlapping with the buffer zone, consists of the

Lakkomkudy tribal settlement located inside the Park with an extent of 44.088 ha and

the impact zone around the settlement (37.912 ha @ 200 m from the periphery of the

settlement). Thus the total extent of the ecodevelopment zone is about 0.82 km2

(Map. 11).

The activities undertaken in the eco development zone will be aimed at ensuring

sustainable livelihood for the dependent tribal people without hampering the

management objectives, exploring the opportunities including ecotourism programme

in the ecodevelopment zone and proposed additional area, based on approved micro

plan. The tribal settlements adjoining the National Park along the western boundary

and part of proposed additional area, namely Parappayarkudy, Parakudy and

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Nooradykudy and the impact zone of 200 m along the boundary, will also be managed in

the same lines as the eco development zone. The ecodevelopment zone will be

intensively managed with the activities proposed in Chapter 8 for ensuring sustainable

livelihood of the local tribal community without hampering the ecosystem and

management objectives.

6.3.3. Proposed additional area The National Park notification mainly follows ridges as the boundary and hence

many important shola grass lands, which are used by the tahr population in the Park, lie

outside the Park boundary. These critical areas outside the park Kumarickal, Kattumala

and Perumalmala in Marayoor division (5 km2 of grass lands), adjoining Erumapetty,

Sambanmala, Karikombu, Pettymudy areas (25 km2 of shola grasslands on the right

hand side of the trekpath from Pettymudy to Noorady) of Anamudy RF in Munnar

Division, adjoining Anamudy peak (2 km2 of shola forest) in the southern boundary in

Munnar Division, adjoining Rajamala peak at Pettymudy (5 km2 of shola grasslands) in

Munnar Division, around 3.5 km2 of shola grasslands area belonging to Mankulam

Division adjoining tourism zone Rajamala in the southern boundary and 1.3 km2 area of

KDHP Company adjoining the tourism zone and Meenthotty (shola grasslands). A

proposal is already in place which was prepared as per the recommendation of the State

Board for Wildlife, for the addition of 32 km2 is to be added to the National Park as

buffer. The rest areas (9.8 km2) will be surveyed and added to the Park.

Once the proposed additional area is added to the National Park, the area will be

managed as buffer zone of the National Park. The tribal settlements in the proposed

additional area along with 200 m impact zone will be treatedas the ecodevelopment

zone. Till then, these areas shall be managed as per the following prescriptions to the

extent possible.

Protection from illegal activities and other specific issues as detailed in the

Theme Plan for ‘Protection’ in section 6.4.1

Controlled burning works in selected areas to make available fresh grass for the

herbivores following the protocol for controlled burning.

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Map. 12 - Proposed additional area of Eravikulam National Park

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6.4.1.3. Protection Camps 6.4.1.3.1. Existing anti-poaching camps At present there are 7 protection (anti-poaching) camps at Poovar,

Varattukulam, Kolukkan, Eravikulam, Anamudy, Meenthotty and Pettymudy in the

National Park for anti-poaching activities. The semi present structures at Varattukulam,

Kolukkan, Eravikulam and Meenthotty will be converted to permanent structures to

help the stay during the extreme weather conditions. All the camps will be maintained

periodically to be on good conditions.

6.4.1.3.2. Proposed anti-poaching camps

In addition to the above camps, the following anti-poaching camps are proposed

to be constructed for strengthening protection. All basic amenities for the stay are also

proposed to be developed during the plan period.

Anti-poaching camp shed will be constructed in critical location along the interstate

boundary especially at Podumala- Chinnpoovar for enhancing protection.

While adding the adjoining areas as buffer zone, new structures will be constructed

in Koodakad proposed reserve, Parakudy and Pettymudy - No.1 for protection.

EDC members and local dependents will be engaged as daily waged watchers in

all the existing and proposed anti-poaching camps for helping in protection. These new

camps near the tribal settlements will be permanently manned with the help of local

tribal people. All these camps will also be maintained periodically.

6.4.1.4. Patrolling schedule

No part other than the tourism zone and Lakkom tribal settlement are accessible

by vehicle. The whole movement inside the Park is on foot and regular perambulation of

the Park areas is the only way for protection. Of the seven protection camps at Poovar,

Varattukulam, Kolukkan, Eravikulam, Anamudy, Meenthotty and Pettymudy, the former

two are important in protection aspect. The perambulation procedure is as follows.

The Assistant Wildlife Warden will divide areas into patrolling units and

communicate the perambulation schedule to the staff on monthly basis for

implementation.

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Camping for 4-5 day duration will be regularly carried out at Poovar and

Varattukulam. At least 3 to 4 camps will be arranged in these areas each month to

ensure proper protection.

In other camps at Kolukkan, Eravikulam, Anamudy, Meenthotty and Pettymudy,

camps of 3-4 day duration will be carried out. 2-3 camps will be arranged in these

areas during a month.

Camping and perambulation is to be done every month in Parappayar, Parakkudy

and Nooradykudy to ensure protection and keep the boundaries free from illicit

activities. This will also help in eco development initiatives and prevent the external

interference in tribal settlements, especially in the light of latest challenges in the

form of terrorism and nexalitism.

The ganja combing operation will be carried out during these perambulations.

Additional perambulations will be done in the areas adjoining the Park in the

northern, eastern and western boundaries, where there are chances of ganja

cultivation.

The boundaries with the tea estates at Chattamunnar, Vaguvarai, Kadalar, Rajamala

and Pettymudy will be regularly combed for nooses and illicit distillation of liquor.

The camps at Poovar, Varattukulam, Kolukkan and Eravikulam will be managed by

the staff at Chattamunnar and the camps at Anamudy, Meenthotty and Pettymudy

will be managed by staff at Rajamala. The Forester at Chattamunnar will organise

the perambulation at Poovar, Varattukulam, Kolukkan and Eravikulam. The Forester

at Rajamala will organise camps at Anamudy, Meenthotty, Pettymudy and at

Parappayar, Parakkudy and Nooradykudy. The Deputy Rangers will oversee the

implementation of protection plan in Eravikulam National Park in areas under their

jurisdiction. The staff incharge of respective EDC will take care of areas adjoining the

Tribal Settlements at Parappayar, Parakkudy and Nooradykudy with the help of EDC

members.

Continuous camping will be done in fire season along with EDC members in these

camps to prevent and detect fire incidents. Free ration, fuel, camping accessories,

solar equipment, etc will be provided for the camping in the field.

While adding proposed additional areas as buffer to the Park, perambulation plan

will be extended to those areas.

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In the light of latest challenges like terrorism, protection will be followed

scrupulously in all interior areas.

The Assistant Wildlife Warden and Wildlife Warden will also join for patrolling and

make frequent surprise checks.

Frequent special ganja raids may also be arranged by the Wildlife Warden / Asst.

Wildlife Warden.

The staff will maintain the movement register and wildlife monitoring register

which will be subject to frequent inspection by Assistant Wildlife Warden and

Wildlife Warden.

6.4.1.5. Interstate coordination

The PA shares a total length of 9 kms of interstate boundary with Tamilnadu. In

addition to perambulation and monitoring of the region, frequent sharing of

information between the officials of neighboring forest divisions within and outside the

State are necessary. It is proposed to conduct meeting at the Range Officers level once a

month. In addition, the existing approved protocol for interstate meeting will strictly be

followed.

6.4.1.6. Strategies for Specific Issues 6.4.1.6.1. Stray dogs

The problem due to stray dogs, disturbing the wildlife, has been noticed from

Rajamala, Pettimudy, Nyamakadu and Vaguvarai tea estate. Measures will be taken to

control the stray dogs with the help of estate management, local Panchayath, SPCA and

Animal Husbandry Department through FDA.

6.4.1.6.2. Presence of shola grass lands outside the Park.

This issue is addressed in section 6.3.4 by proposing to add these areas to the Park.

6.4.1.6.3. Police Wireless Tower at Rajamala

At many points the shola grasslands extend outside the Park boundaries. The

grasslands adjoining the tourism zone Rajamala is important for the tahr population in

the area. The Police wireless station at Rajamala is located in the grasslands belonging

to KDHP Company, adjoining the tourism zone. This grassland is the only corridor

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connecting the tourism zone to the grasslands of Mankulam Division in the Panthumala

– Pettymudy area. This causes disturbance to the Tahr population due to dumping of

waste, feeding of animals and hindering the movement of animals. This can cause

behavioral changes in animals and there is chance of spread of diseases to the animals.

New structures are constructed in the area without taking into consideration of its

ecological importance. The present enclosure around the wireless station will be

maintained periodically. No new structures should be allowed to be constructed in the

area. The possiblity of relocation of the wireless tower from the tahr habitat will also be

explored during the plan period.

6.4.1.6.4. Presence of tea estates along the boundaries

The southern boundary of the National Park is occupied by tea estates belonging

to KDHP Company and Thalayar Group. They follow inorganic method of cultivation,

using a number of pesticides and chemicals. The effect of these practices on the National

Park is not known. They have cultivated fuel wood crops like eucalyptus and wattle

along the boundaries which slowly spreads in to the National Park areas. This practice

has to be controlled in consultation with the estates management. The presence of cattle

in these estates along the boundary is a potential threat for the spread of diseases to the

wildlife including tahr that occasionally moves into these estates. The animal husbandry

activities in these areas are to be regulated in co-operation with the company

managements and animal husbandry department. The movement of tahr in to the

estates is to be controlled with the help of estate management, EDCs and local

dependents. The fire incidents in the Park start mainly from the tea estates along the

boundary. There are chances of attempt of poaching, snaring, ganja cultivation and illicit

brewing by the people from the estates. The frequent interaction with the estate

management, staff and labourers will help in curbing these illicit practices by the people

from these tea estates. The chance of management of nearby estates in a system that

dovetails with the management of Eravikulam National Park, with the National Park as a

focus and the chance of changing the inorganic method of cultivation in the estates, in

tune with the Park management, need to be explored. The tea estates at Rajamala and

Pettymudy use the road passing through the tourism zone of Park for transportation.

The possibility of providing alternate route, including rope ways, to the estates will be

explored to stop the increasing vehicular traffic through the tourism zone.

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6.4.1.6.5. Fire

This issue is also dealt separately under theme plan for ‘Fire Protection’. 6.4.1.7. Infrastructure Development 6.4.1.7.2. Administrative building

The Office and quarters of the Wildlife Warden is located at Munnar. The Office

and quarters of Asst. Wildlife Warden is located at Rajamala in the Tourism Zone of

Eravikulam National Park. Office and quarters of the Deputy Ranger is located at

Chattamunnar. The staffs of Rajamala outpost are located at Rajamala. The Nature

Education Centre, Munnar and the Interpretation Centre, Munnar helps in nature

education, protection and management. The Old quarters Vaguvarrai and the heritage

building, the Hut at Eravikulam, help in protection. Built in 1928, the Hut at Eravikulam

is one of the few remaining colonial fishing bases. This structure is to be protected and

maintained perfectly. Accommodation available for the staff at Rajamala and

Chattamunnar is not sufficient. It is proposed to construct ecofriendly accommodation

facilities for staff at Chattamunnar and a Forest Station building at Rajamala. It is also

proposed to make available facilities like coats, tables, chairs, camping accessories etc.

for the Chattamunnar Forest Station and Rajamala outpost.

The existing and proposed official and residential buildings will be maintained as

and when required. The basic amenities such as lighting, drinking water, etc will be

improved in these buildings. A library in each station/section headquarters will also be

developed.

6.4.1.7.3. Improvement of facilities in existing camping stations

All basic amenities including solar lighting system, solar fencing, wind energy

mills field cots, drinking water, etc. will be provided for improving camping facilities.

Camping accessories like sleeping bags, tents, cooking accessories, free rations and fuel

will be provided for efficient protection of the areas.

6.4.1.7.3 Check posts

The tribal people from Edamalakudy, the estate labourers and staff of Rajamala

and Pettymudy estates of KDHP Company and Government officials to Rajamala,

Pettymudy and Edamalakudy pass through the 5th mile - Rajamala road that passed

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through the tourism zone of the National Park. The check post located at Rajamala

controls the vehicular and human movement in the route. A chain gates is proposed at

5th mile entrance of the Park.

The main trek path through the National Park starts at No.1 field of Vaguvarrai

lower tea estate of KDHP Company. A chain gate is proposed at the entrance of the trek

path from No. 1 field. Chain gate is also proposed in the entrance to the Lakkomkudy

from Vaguvarrai tea estate.

6.4.1.7.4. Roads

The following roads are passing through Eravikulam National Park. 1. Rajamala check post- Last point of tourism zone - 2.00Km 2. Vaguvarrai tea estate - Lakkomkudy - 0.30 Km The first road is black topped passing through the tourism zone and the second

road is concrete road passing to the Lakkomkudy tribal settlement.

The following roads outside the National Park are also under the National Park.

1. PWD rest house – Forest IB, Munnar - 300m 2. Road to Office of Asst. Wildlife Warden, Rajamala - 400m 3. Road at the parking area in 5th mile - 250m

The road from 5th Mile to forest check post, Rajamala is owned by the KDHP

company. But the road is used for the commutation of visitors to the Tourism Zone and

back. This road is not under the control of the Park.

It is proposed to periodically maintain all the roads including the one from 5th

Mile to forest check post Rajamala. New roads will be constructed based on necessity

and observations.

6.4.1.7.5. Trekpaths

The entire movement in the National Park other than the tourism zone is on foot.

The list of trek paths in Eravikulam National Park is given in the Table 23.

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Table 23: List of trek paths in Eravikulam National Park

Sl. No. Name Distance (Km.)

1 Number One – Eravikulam 8.5 2 Eravikulam – Poovar 14.0

3 Selvamala – Pothumala 4.5 4 Eravikulam – Kolukkan 6.5 5 Selvamala - Kumarickal 3.5 6 Lakkomkudy – Kudimala 2.0 7 Chattamunnar OP – Thirumudy 6.0 8 Varattukulam – Kattumala 3.0 9 Meenthotty - Anamudy 5.0

10 Sambamala – Parappayar 4.5 11 Cheruthannipetty - Enippara 5.6 12 Pettimudy – Parappayar 5.0

13 Nooradikudy – Thattukanam 4.0 14 Nooradikudy – Chembikavala 5.0 15 Oralipara – Erumapetty 1.1 16 Chattamunnar – Log House 0.5

Total 78.7

The trek paths in the core area the National Park should be taken up annually.

Only clearing of vegetation should be done in the core area. Plugging of eroded areas

with locally available materials, to prevent degradation and construction of Iron bridges

across streams, in order to facilitate the movement during rainy season, can be done.

Construction of new trek paths can be done in proposed additional area to facilitate

movement.

The Wildlife Warden may review and study the necessity of maintaining

important trek paths in the checklist mentioned above. As far as possible, the trek paths

through the sholas may not be maintained.

6.4.1.7.6. Communication facilities

There are 2 Wireless Towers at Rajamala and Varattukulam in Eravikulam

National Park. There are 3 main sets, 2 mobile sets and 13 wacky talkies. It is proposed

to construct two wireless towers at Chattamunnar and Poovar to strengthen the

communication with the field. The repair, maintenance and replacement of wireless,

wacky talkies and communication equipment will be done periodically. If more

infrastructures are needed, especially in the proposed additional area, to ensure

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complete coverage of the PA, it can be done based on observations. All the field staff up

to the Forest Guard are provided with SIM cards by the department. But the mobile

phone coverage in the PA is limited. The dependable mode of communication will be the

wireless.

The advanced methods of surveillance and monitoring include remote cameras,

installation of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and monitoring through wireless

or satellites. These techniques shall be explored and adopted for enhancing protection.

6.4.1.7.7. Vehicle

At present there are 2 Jeeps, 1 Mini bus and 3 Motor bikes in Eravikulam

National Park for protection. One more jeep for the proposed Rajamala station, repair

and maintenance of the existing vehicles and timely replacement of damaged vehicles

are proposed.

6.4.1.7.8. Arms and ammunition

At present the Park is having 1 Revolver, 2nos-.303 Rifles, 5nos-.315 Rifles, 2 Air

Guns and ammunition for the protection. It is proposed to repair and maintain the

present arms and replace the damaged ones with quality products. Once the new station

is created, the present arms will be shared and used in the stations.

6.4.1.7.9. Deployment of staff

The present staff strength is not sufficient to manage the PA as the ecotourism

and ecodevelopment activities are on the rise. The inflow of visitors is on the rise and

the challenges are increasing every year. Addition of more area as buffer zone will make

the protection very difficult with the existing staff strength. Hence, additional staffs are

proposed to deal with the situation. It is proposed to appoint one Deputy Ranger, three

forester, sixteen forest guards, one driver and four permanent muthuvan watchers in

addition to the existing staff strength for the new forest station at Rajalmala. The

present strength of Chattamunnar Forest Station will be retained at Chattamunnar. All

vacant positions should be filled up regularly. The number of staff and watchers

required for effective patrolling and protection of PA are detailed in the following table.

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Table 24 – Staff Strength (Proposed)

6.4.1.7.10. Capacity Building

Training will be given to patrolling staff in unarmed combat, survival skills, usage

of fire arms, first aid, swimming, driving etc. with the assistance of Police. Training will

also be given in the preparation of offence reports. Selected staff will be trained as

‘handlers’ as part of intelligence gathering. Police should be approached for giving short

term trainings on intelligence gathering at regular intervals. Exposure training to staff

in identification of plants and animals will be periodically provided to staff working in

the PA as part of building their capacity.

In addition to the above, local persons from the tribal communities with aptitude

will be identified and trained in basics of wildlife crime detection. Detailed training

requirements are provided in Chapter 9.

6.4.1.7.11. Intelligence Gathering and Coordination

The Wildlife Warden, Assistant Wildlife warden and staff will develop liaison

with NGOs, peoples’ representatives, EDC members, Tribal Heads, interstate officers,

Crime Control bureau officials, in sharing information. The informants may be paid

suitably. The Wildlife Warden may move proposal for fixing the rewards to the

informants depending on the type of crime and information. Legal support will be made

available as required. The Wildlife Warden will review and monitor the implementation

of the protection plan.

Designation Sanctioned

strength Present strength

Proposed strength

Additional reqirement

Asst Wildlife Warden

1 1 1 0

Wildlife Assistant 1 Nil 1 0

Deputy Ranger 1 1 2 1

Forester 3 3 6 3

Fores Guards 16 12 32 16

Forest Watchers 8 7 12 4

LD Clerk 1 1 1 0

Peon 1 1 1 0 Driver 1 1 2 1

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The Assistant Wildlife Warden will also collect credible information through

confidential channels employing agents or sources. Confidential sources and agents will

be identified, trained and placed in position to get confidential information.

A system of regular interaction with Tamil Nadu forest department and adjoining

divisions and joint combing operation in the interstate boundary with Tamil Nadu

Forest Department Staff and Marayoor and Munnar division staff is proposed for

protection.

6.4.1.7.12. Joint Patrolling and Meetings

Joint patrolling and meetings of various levels of officials will be held with the

adjoining forest divisions within Kerala and Tamil Nadu side. This will be ensured by

the Wildlife Warden and Assistant Wildlife Warden.

Regular meeting with the stakeholders including KDHP Company will help in

improving the relationship and protection activities in the Park.

6.4.1.7.13. Exchange of Crime Dossiers

The Wildlife Warden /DFOs will exchange the crime dossiers with police to

update and review with District Superintendent of Police at least once in six months.

The information will also be shared with adjacent Forest Divisions in Tamil Nadu to

ensure effective protection.

6.4.1.7.14. Review of protection issues

Based on the threats and protection issues, threat perception and vulnerability of

various regions in the PA will be developed.

6.4.1.7.15. Maintenance of Records

Registers will be maintained in the camping stations to monitor the movement of

patrolling teams. The Deputy Rangers will inspect the registers once in 15 days, the

Assistant Wildlife Warden once is a month and the Wildlife Warden once in 3 months to

ensure effective protection. Following records will be maintained by Wildlife Warden,

Assistant Wildlife Warden and Section staff.

Records of vehicles passing through check posts.

Offence Registers at Division/Range/Station.

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Arms and ammunition Register (Range/Station)

Records of dossiers of habitual/ incorrigible offenders in the Range.

Regular supervision schedule for ROs.

Records of surprise visit by Senior Officers (Field Director, Project Tiger

and Wildlife Warden).

Staff in each Section will maintain

Movement Register

Wildlife sighting/daily monitoring/observation Register (Wildlife

Journal)

6.4.1.7.16. Equipment / Field Gears

It is proposed to procure field equipment such as Tents, Compass, GPS,

Binoculars, Range finder, Digital camera, Rain Gauge, Thermometer, Hygrometer,

Camera trap, field kits, etc. for all camping stations manned. In addition the watchers

will be provided with field uniform once a year during the plan period.

6.4.1.7.17. Staff welfare activities

The Wildlife Warden will have meetings with the staff and include the staff

amenities items in the APO funded by Government of India. At present the Govt. of India

is providing staff welfare inputs like residential accommodation for the children of

frontline staff in nearby town/villages, supply of kerosene, medicine, field kit, mosquito

net, torch, etc. The staff who excel in performances will be rewarded accordingly. Camp

food shall be provided to staff and watchers stationed at interior camps. The possibility

of receiving assistance from eminent NGOs for protection like supply of field kits,

sleeping bags, tents, training, legal assistance and awareness programmes will be

explored. The staff working in the National Park may be given Project Allowance as

allowed in Project Tiger areas.

6.4.2. Theme Plan for Fire Protection

Forest fire is the single and most destructive factor that challenges the protection

of the fragile shola grass lands eco system in Eravikulam National Park. Fire

management plan will be prepared every year considering the history of fire incidents

and prevailing situations. The existing roads, trek path, rivers etc. has to be considered

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while preparing the fire management plan. In order to protect the Park from forest fire,

the following strategies are proposed.

6.4.2.1. Fire Management Plans

Fire protection measures will be taken in accordance with approved fire

management plans.

6.4.2.1.1. General guidelines for preparation and Implementation of Fire

Management Plan

Identify the cause and consequences of fire at PA level.

Prioritize and map fire prone areas based on local knowledge.

Prepare plans on annual basis.

Provide adequate training to fire-fighting squad in fighting fires and self-

defense.

Develop infrastructure by procuring necessary equipment and materials

required for fire protection based on annual assessment.

Develop proper monitoring protocols.

Ensure timely implementation of interventions.

Maintain fire records at Range and Division level.

Report incidences of fire to Wildlife Warden and Field Director for evaluation

and further action.

Document the results of fire protection measures taken annually.

6.4.2.2. Fire Management Strategies

Following are general guidelines for implementation of fire protection measures

in Eravikulam National Park:

6.4.2.2.1 Fire lines The Wildlife Warden will maintain the following fire lines in the fire prone areas.

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Table 25: List of fire line in Eravikulam National Park

Sl. No.

Name of fire line Length (Km)

1. Rajamala Check Post- Kadalar 3.50

2. Rajamala Check Post- Chandanakadavu 3.50

3. Kolukkan- Cheruthannypetty 7.50

4. Kolukkan- Erumapetty 7.00

5. Cheruthannypetty- Sampamala 2.00

6. Methurunda- Neerar 2.00

7. Anamudy- Thookkupalam 8.50

8. Chinnanamudy- Velavar Kovil 1.00

9. Kudimala- Varattukulam 2.50

10. Kattumala- Perumalmala 2.50 11. Kattumala- Kumarickal 5.00

12. Chinnapoovar- Kumarickal 2.50

13. Podumala- Chinnapoovar 2.00

14. Perumalamala- Undakkal 4.00

15. Podumala –Neerar 3.50

16. Vembanthanny – Nedumkurukku 4.00

17. Rajamala Check Post- Meenthotty 7.50

18. Enippara- Pettymudy 5.00

19. Bheemanoda- Kallupalm 4.00

20. Onamthery – Vattachidhambu 3.50

21. Pallanadu- Thookkupalam 8.00

22. Around MPCA area 8.50

23. Meenthotty – Junda No.1 11.00

24. Lakkomkudy- Pakkumarathery 4.00

25. Kolukkan shed –Thattukanam 3.00

26. Erumapetty – Methurunda 5.00

27. Kolukkan shed – Poosanampara 4.00

28. Kolukkan shed – Sambamala 8.00

Total 132.50 km

In addition fire lines will be created around shola forests to protect the sholas

and regeneration of Kurinji species in case of necessity. This needs to be done in years

immediately after the massive flowering of Kurinji in the sholas to protect the flowering

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and seeds and in subsequent years, the regeneration from fire. This is also important as

massive quantity of fuel wood will be available in the shoals in years following the

massive flowering of Kurinji. All the fire incidents will be properly recorded for future

management. New fire lines will be approved as per necessity by the Wildlife Warden.

In case of addition of more area to the National Park, fire lines will be created in these

areas.

The following rules will be followed in creating the fire lines in the Park.

No scrapping should be done in the grasslands and core areas of the park for

preparation of fire lines.

No fire line should be taken on the edge of the shola forest. The fire line around

the shola should be taken giving reasonable space of 10 meters for the extension

of shola forest.

Clearing and maintenance of fire lines should be carried out as per the FSR and

prescribed in the section 6.4.2.2.1.

Scraping of grasses in the grasslands and around shola patches as fire protection

measures should be avoided. The grass will be cut and burnt without scraping.

Preparation and implementation of fire management in association with the EDC.

Controlled / cool burning of grasslands to help in fire protection and making

available palatable grass for herbivores as per protocol.

6.4.2.2.2. Camps for fire-fighting gangs

The existing protection camps at Poovar, Varattukulam, Eravikulam, Kolukkan,

Anamudy, Meenthotty and Pettymudy will be used for the camping of fire

watchers and fire protection committee members during fire season. In addition,

temporary structures will be constructed at Mesthirikattu, Pakkumaratherry,

Podumala and Kumarickal to detect and prevent the spread of fire from the

human habitation around the National Park. In case of addition of new areas to

the Park, temporary structures can be constructed in the area during fire season.

A group of watchers will be maintained in Rajamala tourism zone in order to

prevent fire incidents in this highly sensitive area, which is frequented by

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vehicles and local people to Rajamala, Pettymudy and Edamalakkudy. They will

be camping throughout in the temporary shed in the Rajamala tourism zone.

The Wildlife Warden will ensure the engagement of fire gangs from the fringe

area people in sensitive areas around the Park. Priority will be given to provide

livelihood and employment to resource dependent local communities.

6.4.2.2.3. Fire watch towers

The existing fire watch tower at Rajamala will be made use of during fire season.

The fires watch tower will be maintained periodically.

6.4.2.2.4. Controlled pre-burning

Controlled burning is the most important activity in connection with the fire

management in the Park. Early controlled burning of grass land is carried out to

facilitate growth of fresh grass to make available nutritious food for the young tahr

calves and other herbivores during dry season and also to help in fire protection. The

aim is to create a mosaic of burnt and unburnt patches. This helps to prevent the

animals from venturing outside the Park in search of burnt grass and getting poached.

This also helps in avoiding severe and irreversible damage due to late fires. Late fires

accompanied by strong winds can cause irreversible damage to the grasslands. No

burning should be done in areas like MPCA and other ecologically important areas.

Controlled burning needs expertise, extra care and attention. The Muthuvans are

experts in this activity. While doing, the following guidelines have to be strictly adhered

to:

Burning should be completed by the end of January itself when the grass is still

green. Pre flushing of birds and small animals to be done.

As far as possible the activity has to be carried out by the Muthuuvans.

Burning has to be carried out in areas utilized by tahr and other herbivores,

around sholas in the unburnt areas, along MPCA boundary and the grassy

stretches on the Park boundary.

Fire will be set only after taking fire lines around the prescribed burning

regime set apart to prevent spreading of fire to surrounding forests.

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Burning has to be carried out early in the morning and late in the evening only.

Night burning will cause damage to insects and birds that would otherwise

move away.

Before burning, target area should be flushed to drive out animals and birds.

Simultaneous setting of fires on all sides of the block should be avoided.

Fire should be set opposite to the wind direction to control speed/ velocity and

intensity.

On hill slopes, fire is to be set from top down direction for better control.

Controlled burning should be carried out only in the presence of staff.

Necessary fire-fighting equipments should be procured in advance. Staff and

labourers involved for burning should be trained in using fire-fighting

instruments.

The area burnt has to be marked on a large scale map, GPS documented and

kept as permanent record. The area has to be monitored regularly, right from

the date of burning.

Burning should not be done in areas where the Neelakurinji has come into

bloom in the previous year.

When burning is carried out around a shola, it is always ideal not to burn the

tall grasses found on the edge of the shola that may provide micro environment

for shola regeneration. Outside this edge, a 10m wide belt can be burned

during the first year. Next year burning should be further outside this strip.

If small patch of grassland is interspersed between two sholas, this patch

should not be burnt because succession may bring back sholas at such sites.

In order to have a mosaic of burnt and unburnt areas, the grassland areas are

divided into 50 ha grids and controlled burning regime is proposed (Map. 14). The grids

with ‘1’ will be burnt during the first year and ‘2’ and ‘3’ will be burnt during the

subsequent years on rotation basis. Hence the entire grassland will be practiced with

controlled burning in rotations of 3 years. Since grazing pressure is more in the burnt

areas, the extent of grassland to be burnt should be large enough to sustain the grazing

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Map. 14 : Proposed controlled burning regime

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pressure. The size can vary from 5 ha to 50 ha depending upon the animal density,

extend of grasslands, and fire prone nature of the area. While burning the grasslands in

the grids the natural features such as streams, nullahs, roads, trek paths, etc will be

identified for delineating the boundary for burning. The grass cut while clearing lines is

to be burnt within the block. Experiment with mechanized precutting to cool burning,

repeated mechanized cutting and natural decay in critical areas such as water sources,

bird ground nesting areas etc.This system will act as a guide during the first year of the

plan period and necessary changes can be made during the subsequent years.

6.4.2.2.5. Deploying fire-gangs

Fire gangs will be engaged throughout the season for efficient fire protection

activities. In addition to the existing daily waged mazdoors and EDC members, a

minimum of 10 members preferably from the tribal and local dependents will be

engaged during the fire season every year. The number of persons engaged for this

purpose will be decided based on the intensity of fire and severity of drought. In case of

necessity fire gangs may be deployed in April – May depending on the intensity of

drought.

6.4.2.2.6. Participatory Fire Management

Participatory fire management shall be based on the guidelines circulated by the

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests in Circular No. E&TW1-2002/08 dated

14.11.2008 (Appendix 7.2).

The members of Lakkomkudy, Parappayar, Parakkudy, Nooradykudy and

Watchers EDC will be involved in participatory fire management. A micro plan will be

prepared for each EDC detailing the extent of area, people involved, benefit sharing etc

in every fire season. The area for fire management will be identified and allotted to the

EDC based on its geographic location. Funds for the prescribed operations will be

placed in the EDC account on the basis of a MoU. Participatory Fire Management Plan

will include the causes/sources of fire, preventive measures and conditions specified in

line with the circular issued by KFD. The plan will be signed by a member of the EDC

subgroup, President and Ex-Officio Secretary/Staff in-charge of the Section. Plan will be

approved by the Range Officer. People along the boundary will also be engaged as fire

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gangs in vulnerable areas. The members of professional EDCs may be engaged during

fire season to provide firsthand information for them on the Park and its management.

6.4.2.3. Awareness and Training

Awareness campaigns are essential for preventing fire. Wildlife Warden will

arrange awareness and training for the staff, EDC members and local dependent before

the fire season every year. Awareness campaigns may be arranged for fringe area

people, tribal settlements, tea estates, school, colleges, taxi drivers and people’s

representatives on the impact of fires on forests. This may be done by mass involvement

of people in procession, talks, information display boards, banners, street play etc. EDC-

based awareness campaigns highlighting fire preventive and containment measures

among children and youth in the localities will be held during the fire season. Creative

programmes in this regard will also be developed.

6.4.2.4 Training programmes

Training programmes for staff, watchers and other members of the community

involved in fire protection will be organized.

6.4.2.4. Fire watchtowers and communication network

The present infrastructure and communication facilities will be made use of in

fire protection to prevent the fire incidents and to mobilize additional forces in case of

necessity.

6.4.2.5. Firefighting equipment

The equipments like gum boots, fire resistant suit etc may be procured and made

available to the fire management groups.

The Wildlife Warden may review the fire plan every year after the fire season.

The gap in fire protection may be identified and suitable proposals may be made in the

ensuing year to make Park totally free from fire.

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6.4.2.7. Impact Monitoring

Incidents of fire will be documented and reported promptly to the Field Director

and Chief Wildlife Warden. Controlled pre-burning areas will be maped and GPS

documented to assess their impact and streamline future activities.

The Wildlife Warden will review the fire plan every year after the fire season.

The gap in fire protection will be identified and suitable proposals may be made in the

ensuing year to make the Park totally fire free.

6.4.3. Theme Plan for Watershed and habitat management 6.4.3.1. Watershed management

Eravikulam National Park receives sufficient rainfall during South-West and North

-East monsoons. A number of streams and natural water bodies are available

throughout the National Park. Plenty of water is available for the animals throughout

the year. Activities like creation water holes and gully plugging would damage several

endangered and endemic flora and fauna in and around streams and sholas. Activities

like construction of check dams, creation of water holes, gully plugging, retaining

structures preferably vegetative barriers, etc will be made based on field observation.

To know the distribution of water resources and to fulfill the needs of local people, the

following strategy and activities are proposed:

• Mapping of water sources – water holes, check dams, streams and other

natural sources with seasonality.

• Preparation of drainage map and vegetation map.

6.4.3.2 Habitat Management

As part of habitat management in the National Park following prescription will

be followed during the plan period.

Monitoring of ingressive exotic species along the boundaries.

Eradication of exotic weeds along the boundaries and areas proposed to be

added by cutting and uprooting repeatedly to prevent the spread into the

National Park, if possible with the help of EDCs and local communities.

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Bring the plantations of exotic species along the boundary of the National Park

belonging to Munnar and Marayoor divisions into natural status in a phased

manner as per the working plan of the respective divisions.

Future planting and coppice maintenance of exotic species along the boundary of

the Park in Munnar and Marayur divisions may be streamlined for wildlife

management after discussion and dialogue with the managers of adjoining forest

divisions.

Eradication of Eupatorium on experimental basis by establishing permanent

plots and monitor the changes.

Controlling the erosion and repair damaged trek paths and land slips in

grasslands and shola forests as needed.

Removal of exotic species in areas belonging to KDHP Company, especially

adjoining Tourism Zone, in consultation with the company to facilitate the

regeneration of natural forests.

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CHAPTER 7

TOURISM, INTERPRETATION AND CONSERVATION EDUCATION

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Eravikulam National Park has been an important tourist destination in Kerala. From a

few hundreds during the end of 1980s, the number of visitors has gone up to 5,00,000

which includes Indians as well as foreigners.

Visitor management system was initiated in the Park in 1996. Since then, the

visitors were controlled at Rajamala Forest Check Post, from where they were allowed

to go by vehicle only up to the interpretation center, “Story of the Park” and then on foot

along the main road. The main attraction of area was the near assured sighting of Tahr

at touchable distance.

Most of the visitors were picnickers and not supportive of conservation. Daily

waged watchers kept constant vigil to dissuade visitors from littering, trespassing,

disturbing animals, plucking flowers, shouting etc.

The gregarious flowering of Kurinji (Strobilanthus kunthianum) in 1994, which

gained wide publicity, was the main boost for increasing the visitors to the National

Park. The visitor management system was continued up to 2006. In anticipation of the

massive flowering of Kurinji in 2006, the present visitor management system was

introduced with the help of local depended communities. All the private vehicles which

were earlier allowed to carry the visitors up to the tourism and awareness zone were

stopped at 5th Mile in the Munnar – Udumalpet road.

Six mini buses were purchased for the transportation of visitors and two new

professional EDCs, the Drivers EDC and Venders EDC, were formed with the help of local

depended communities. Ticketing counter was started at 5th Mile and visitors are

transported in the six buses owned and operated by the EDCs from 5th mile to the

tourism and awareness zone, which is 4km away from the ticketing counter. The

visitors are allowed to walk 1 km along the tarred road in the tourism and awareness

zone during which they could see the Nilgiri tahr, enjoy the picturesque landscape and

shola grassland eco system.

The interpretation centre, “Story of the Park” provides information on the Park,

its importance and biodiversity value. Facilities like parking area, cafeteria, enquiry

counter, toilet etc are operated by the EDC members at 5th Mile for the amenities of the

visitors. Facilities like eco-shop, amenity center, toilet etc are managed, in addition to

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the interpretation centre, in the tourism and awareness zone by the EDC members. The

members of ‘Drivers EDC’ operate the buses owned by the EDCs. The members of

‘Watchers EDC’ and ‘Tribal EDCs’ are engaged in the tourism and awareness zone to

control the visitors and to keep area free from litter. They members of Driver and

Watchers EDC act as guides to bridge the information gap.

Lakkom water fall, a picturesque waterfall in the tributary to river Pambar,

which originate from Eravikulam National Park, was opened to the visitors in 2006. This

is managed by the Lakkomkudy EDC, one of the four tribal EDCs under the Park.

More than one lakh people visit the area in a year. User fee is collected for entry

into the area. Facilities like eco shop, toilets, locker, short trekking and camping

programmes etc are operated by the EDC members for the visitor’s. Massive flow of

visitors during peak season and the increasing number of street vendors (unauthorized

occupiers of the PWD road) have been a problem here. Some visitors even abuse the

area. The waste generated is very high and these issues need to be tackled with the help

of local dependents, Grama Panchayath, NGOs and Government bodies to keep the area

free from litter and ecofriendly.

Nature awareness programmes are conducted for the students, clubs, and other

interested group is the main activity related to conservation education in the

Eravikulam National Park. The facilities available for the programme are:

1. Nature Education Center, Munnar

2. Information Center, Munnar

3. ‘Story of the Park’ - an Interpretation Centre, Rajamala

In addition to the above routine awareness programmes are arranged in

connection with the wildlife week, fire season etc to create awareness among local

dependent communities and also to help in information dissemination. All The activities

including the nature education programmes are managed with the help of EDCs of local

dependents.

7.1. Strategies for environmental conservation awareness

1. Conduct nature awareness camps for schools, colleges, nature clubs, NGOs and

other interested groups.

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2. Give priority to the Education Institutions and organization around the National

Park in awareness programmes.

3. Device and conduct awareness programmes for target group such as tour

operator, guides, taxi drivers, Divisional Advisory Committee of the tea estates,

DTPC etc to create awareness on nature conservation and also to help in visitor

management.

4. Upgrade the existing information centre “Story of the Park” at Rajamala and

information centre at Munnar.

5. Develop education and awareness materials like leaflets, brochures, pamphlets,

posters etc for various target groups.

6. Organise extension programmes in the tribal settlements, tea estates and local

area with the help of EDCs, VSS, NGOs and estate management.

7. Impart training for the staff and EDC members engaged in awareness

programmes.

8. Make available the service of Wildlife Assistant / Deputy Director for visitor

management and conservation education.

9. Appoint Nature Education Officer and wildlife educationist on contract basis

through FDA.

10. Engage trained resource persons to help information dissemination and visitor

management.

11. Making available facilities like LCDs, computers, sound systems etc and

maintenance of existing facilities.

12. Maintenance of existing facilities of nature education and interpretation.

13. Conduct study tour for staff and EDC members to other PAs.

14. Develop information centre, nature education centre, orientation centre,

interpretation centre, conference hall, library, toilet block, landscaping, parking,

etc in a centralized location (prerably at 5th mile) by availing land from HRWEPA.

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7.2. Facilitating Nature-based regulated tourism

The following ecotourism programmes are being implemented in Eravikulam

National Park:

1. Visit to Rajamala tourism and awareness zone.

2. Visit to Lakkom water falls

3. Trekking at Rajamala and trekking and camping at Lakkom water fall.

As part of the regulated ecotourism, the following activities shall be taken up

during the plan period.

i. Engaging EDC members of local dependent communities for managing the

ecotourism programmes.

ii. Prepare implement visitor management plan for tourism and awareness

zone, Lakkom water fall and other ecotourism programmes.

iii. Prepare site specific micro plans for ecotourism packages for the buffer zone,

eco development zone and proposed additional area with base line

information for ensuring sustainable livelihood for local dependents and

conduct annual impact assessment through participatory process.

iv. Monitor the implementation and revise the visitor management plan once in

2 years.

v. Develop and implement interpretation packages as part of visitor

management plan for all ecotourism programmes.

vi. Introduce Park interpretation movie at 5th mile.

vii. Conduct periodic impact assessment of tourism areas once in 5 years with

the help of scientific community.

viii. Develop and implement system for collection of feedback from visitors to the

Park with the help of EDC members and volunteers.

ix. Limit ticketing time to the tourism zone to 8 am – 4pm.

x. Redefine closure period based on studies.

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xi. Development of additional parking area at 5th mile and Lakkom for visitor’s

amenity.

xii. Create and maintain of basic amenities to visitors in the tourism areas at

Rajamala, 5th mile, Lakkom water fall and for ecotourism programmes based

on approved microplan or visitor management plan.

xiii. Online booking for the visitors to Eravikulam National Park.

xiv. Commence alternate ticket station at Munnar / Marayoor to help the visitors.

xv. Ensure security by installing metal detector and other facilities at 5th mile

Rajamala and Lakkom water falls.

xvi. Explore the possibility of imposing fine for littering, plucking of flowers,

teasing of animals etc. in the Park based on Government orders.

xvii. Capacity building and training to EDC members and staff on human

behaviour, identification of flora and fauna, visitor management,

interpretation of Park values etc.

xviii. Conduct carrying capacity study and regulate the visitors to the tourism and

awareness zone and Lakkom waterfalls and other eco-tourism programmes.

xix. Upgrade the existing web site of the National Park for information

dissemination.

xx. Explore the possibility of rolling back the entrance fee to the PA for

ecotourism and Park management activities.

xxi. Develop visitor management strategy to deal with the Kurinji flowering in

2018. The possibility of diverting the visitors to Kurunjimala Sanctuary in

Wildlife Division to be explored.

xxii. Conduct review/ seminar / workshop annually on tourism programmes and

publish the annual report through FDA.

xxiii. Explore the possibility of imposing eco development surcharge for

ecotourism programme.

xxiv. Design and implement strategies to reduce interaction of Rajamala tahr with

the visitors.

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xxv. Develop theme based information displays in the tourism and awareness

zone, 5th mile, Lakkom waterfalls and other strategic locations.

xxvi. Tackle the issue of private shops, parking and waste management at 5th mile

Lakkom water fall and other ecotourism centers with the help of EDCs/ RDO

/ PWD / Line Departments / Police / Media / NGOs etc.

xxvii. Conduct meeting with line departments once in 6 months to help in visitor

management activities.

xxviii. Preparation and timely revision of the micro plans for the EDCs and visitor

management plans.

xxix. No vehicle other than those operated by the EDCs to be used for the

transportation of visitors to the the Park.

xxx. Control and monitor the vehicular traffic through the tourism and awareness

zone especially during night hours. The vehicular traffic from 10 pm to 6 am

should be strictly controlled and speed limited to 30 km/ hour or as per

prevailing rules from time to time.

xxxi. If vehicular transport is to be started from 5th Mile to Edamalakudy through

tourism zone it will be started by the FDA with adequate checking facility.

xxxii. Make available more information to the visitors on the Park, Tahr, Kurinji etc

to visitors by making available literatures and publications by establishing a

museum in the tourism zone.

xxxiii. Closure of the park for a period by two months between January and March

depending on the beginning of the calving period. A week’s notice will be

given by the Wildlife Warden before closure.

xxxiv. The revenue generated from ecotourism and visitor management will be

recycled to the FDA for Park management and village ecodevelopment.

7.3. New ecotourism proposals The Park manager will initiate the following proposals during the plan period.

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i. Conducted tour package from Munnar to the adjoining landscapes. For

this the Wildlife Warden will purchase a bus. The conducted tour will be

organized through FDA, Anamudi.

ii. Protection and education oriented limited trekking, trekking and camping programmes to the buffer areas and proposed additional area based on approved microplans.

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CHAPTER 8

ECODEVELOPMENT

129

The major problem related to people PA interface is making available sustainable

livelihood for the depend communities, especially the tribal people at Lakkomkudy,

Parappayar, Parakkudy and Nooradykudy. There is marginal collection of firewood, by

the people from Lakkomkudy settlement, Chattamunnar occupation and from the Tea

Estates along the boundaries at Chattamunnar, Coffee Store and Pallanad. Marginal

grazing (96 cattles) also occurs at Lakkomkudy, Pallanadu, Coffee Store and

Chattamunnar areas. NWFP, mainly honey, is collected by people from Lakkomkudy,

Parappayar, Parakkudy, Nooradykudy and settlements along eastern boundary in

Koodakad proposed reserve. The extent of NWFP collection is not yet studied and

impact not understood. There are many constraints for the people living in these tribal

settlements. The Lakkomkudy, having limited area under their possession, lacks

livelihood opportunities. They are mainly dependent on marginal agriculture in the

settlement and the employment in the Park for their sustenance. They need to be

provided with alternative income generation opportunities. The people from

Parappayar, Parakkudy and Nooradykudy are practically cut away from the outside

world for want of infrastructure facilities. They depend on agriculture for their

sustenance. The agricultural practices in these settlements need to be maintained as

ecologically viable, marketing opportunity should be made available and the middle

man exploitation stopped. They should be provided with more opportunities in visitor

management and ecotourism to generate employment opportunities. In order to

enhance the cooperation from the local people at Chattamunnar, Coffee Store and

Pallanadu and the tribal settlements along the eastern boundary in the Koodakkadu

proposed reserve constant interaction, awareness programme etc to be conducted

along with exploring opportunities for positives intervention in their socio economic

status, in order to gain their confidence thus helping in the management of the Park. The

possibility for the formation of new EDCs/ work in association with the present VSSs in

these areas to be explored during the plan period.

The professional EDCs in Eravikulam National Park, the main stay in the visitor

management, are able to successfully tackle the visitor flow to the tourism zone of

Eravikulam National Park. These EDCs consist of members of local community,

especially from the tea estates, surrounding the National Park. As the members of

Drivers EDC and Vendors EDC were not directly dependent on the park for their

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sustenance, there is a gap in the conservation initiative on the part of members of these

EDCs. They have to be more integrated in the conservation initiatives in the Park by

constant interaction, trainings and awareness programmes. Being widely distributed,

they are not in a position to avail common beneficial programmes like the tribal

settlement. Hence, in order to ensure their welfare, appropriate programmes will be

designed in consultation with the members, which will ensure the socio economic

progress of the members and families of the professional EDCs.

All the people surrounding the National Park including the tribal settlements and

the tea estates at Chattamunnar, Vaguvarai lower and Vaguvarai top depend on streams

originating from the Park for their irrigation and drinking water needs. For this they

have constructed some structures within the Park before the declaration of the Park.

These structures need periodic maintenance. The possibility of repairing them through

FDA/EDC to be explored.

The eco development need of the people is to be studied with the help of experts.

Help of Government agencies like Tribal department, Agriculture department,

Agriculture University, education and research institution and NGOs is to be made

available in order to fulfill the eco development needs and thus achieving Park

management objectives.

8.1. Strategies

To strengthen the People-PA interface, the following strategies and activities are

proposed:

1. Improve people-PA relationship through eco development.

2. Strengthen the ecodevelopment initiatives and form a MIST (microplanning

Implementation Support Team)

3. Engage ecologist and sociologist under FDA

4. Facilitate Forest Rights Settlement including community rights in all the

settlements.

5. Facilitate certification and organic farming in the tribal settlements.

6. Utilise all available funds for ecodevelopment and Park Welfare Fund.

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7. Develop and improve inter wing and inter department co-operation.

8.2. Activities

1. Identify the eco development needs through micro planning and studies.

2. Strengthen the Eco development activities with the help of EDCs.

3. Make available sustainable livelihood to people in tribal settlements by exploring

available opportunities in visitor management, ecotourism programmes and

alternate income generation opportunities, if needed in association with line

departments/FDA.

4. Make available educational, social and medical assistance to tribal EDCs by

making available infrastructure, conducting medical camps, providing financial

assistances etc with the help of line departments/FDA.

5. Enhance the infrastructure facilities in the tribal settlement especially

Parappayarkudy, Parakkudy and Nooradykudy in order to improve their socio

economic status through FDA / line departments.

6. Assist the tribal people in enhancing the income from agriculture, NWFP

collection etc by helping in processing and marketing of the produce.

7. Identify and implement schemes for improving the health, socio economic and

educational status in the tribal settlements, professional EDC and family of

professional EDCs.

8. Development of appropriate barriers to prevent wildlife entering the farmlands

(elephant proof trench, solar power fence etc) at Lakkomkudy, Parappayarkudy,

Parakkudy, Nooradykudy etc.

9. Timely assessment of wildlife damages and payment of compensation.

10. Institution of crop insurance.

11. Settle the rights including community rights in settlements as per Forest Rights

Act.

12. Capacity enhancement of EDCs through trainings.

13. Conduct socio economic survey of the dependent communities periodically.

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14. Implementation of Eco development programmes in fringe areas in association

with Munnar and Marayoor FDAs.

15. Seek funds from various sources (Local bodies / other line departments/ Govt. of

India) through FDA for eco development programme.

16. Initiate steps for the organic certification of crops produced in the tribal

settlements.

17. Imparting training to staff on micro planning, eco development concept,

ecotourism etc including visit to other protected areas in the State and outside.

18. Awareness creation on human-wildlife conflict.

19. Preparation and timely revision of micro plans of the EDCs.

20. Integrate local people from Rajamala, Pettymudy and tribal settlements in

Edamalakudy to device methodologies for tackling the vehicular and human

movement through the Tourism and awareness zone without affecting the Tahr

population.

21. Facilitate the use of potable and irrigation water for local dependents, tea estates

and tribal people. Explore possibility of shifting them to outside the Park. If

needed, maintain the same through EDCs/FDA.

22. Explore the possibility of marketing the tribal produces through the outlets in

Eravikulam National Park.

23. Ensure the participation of Park management in planning and implementation of

projects by the line departments in the eco development zone and proposed

additional area.

8.3. Strategies for specific issues 8.3.1. Grazing

Study and monitor the number of cattle, extent and impact of grazing in Park

areas.

Reduce number of cattle by providing alternate livelihood and encouraging

stall feeding.

Ensure vaccination of cattle annually.

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Enhance the cooperation with line departments in regulating animal

husbandry activities around the Park.

8.3.2. Firewood collection

Study extent and impact of firewood collection.

Encourage fuel wood cultivation of indigenous species in the tribal

settlements and areas outside the Park to meet the fuel requirement.

Providing energy saving devices, supply of gas connection on subsidized rate

by the department and explore the possibility of alternate fuel sources.

8.3.3. NWFP collection Study extent and impact of NWFP collection.

Define zone of collection through participatory process and frame access

rules for sustainable/ scientific collection

Provide training to EDC members on scientific/ sustainable collection of

NWFP resources and value addition

Monitor the resource dependency periodically.

Propose alternate livelihood to prevent unscientific/ unsustainable collection

of NWFP.

Encourage regeneration of NWFP and medicinal plant species placed in RED

Data Book

Promote planting of selected endemic NWFP species in the homesteads and

in the impact zone (ecodevelopment zone) in the surrounding area of tribal

settlements.

8.3.4. Strategies for alternate income to dependent community

Explore the potential of ecotourism programmes to improve the employment

generation for the local dependent communities.

Explore the possibility of enhancing opportunities in visitor management

activities to create more employment for the local dependents.

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Explore the possibility of capacity building for the dependent people

especially tribals in production and marketing of consumable handicrafts etc

through the outlets in the Park.

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CHAPTER 9

RESEARCH, MONITORING AND TRAINING

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Although the Park was declared in the year 1978 not much study has been done

regarding various aspects of the Park and the Tahr population. The following research,

monitoring and training programmes are proposed during the plan period.

9.1. Research

a) Scientific study and documentation including the field status of RET species

in the Park including Roachestes replendens and dissemination of

information.

b) Conduct studies on population dynamics, movement pattern, natality,

mortality, habitat requirements and breeding biology of Nilgiri Tahr.

c) Non-invasive genetic diversity study of tahr population in Eravikulam

National Park and adjoining areas.

d) Participatory study to identify and demarcate zone of influence in the Park

like grazing, fire wood collection and NWFP collection.

e) Conduct study and evolve scientific / sustainable method for NWFP

collection.

f) Study the extent and impact of wildlife damage, crops involved and device

methods for prevention.

g) Study the socio economic and ecological impact of tourism over the entire

landscape with the Park as the focus.

h) Study the intrusion, regeneration and extent of exotics species around the

Park and device methods for its phased removal.

i) Study and survey the important areas in the adjoining Forest Divisions to be

added to the National Park as buffer zone.

j) Conduct study on the ecology and eco system dynamics of shola grass lands.

k) Conduct nutritional studies on food species of tahr in different season.

l) Study the impact of tea plantations and pesticides on the Park.

m) Identification and documentation of high altitude grass, herb and shrub

species.

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n) Conduct study on the elusive cat “Pohayan”

o) Study the effect of fire on shola grass land eco system.

p) Study the effect of controlled burning by monitoring the burnt and unburnt

areas including soil health.

q) Study and document traditional knowledge of indigenous communities and

historic materials about the park.

r) Conduct study on wildlife and their habitat in Eravikulam National Park.

s) Study the shola ecology and plant animal interaction.

9.2. Monitoring

a) Develop protocol for monitoring health of animals, especially the tahr in the

tourism and awareness zone, and monitoring health of the animals as per

protocol.

b) Monitor resource dependency of local people once in 5 years.

c) Monitoring of weather parameters by installing weather stations at Rajamala,

Eravikulam and Poovar.

d) Monitor the vehicular movement through the tourism zone to assess the

impact on environment and tahr population in the area.

e) Monitoring of visitors to tourism zone.

f) Develop protocol for scientific monitoring of the effects of controlled burning

and document as per protocol.

g) Maintain journal of soil health in burned and unburned areas.

h) Conduct annual tahr census as per prescription and if possible by exploring

new methods.

i) Conduct animal, butterflies and bird census once in 5 years.

j) Promote conservation activities of NGOs like HRWEPA in the estates for

Monitoring wildlife.

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9.3. Training a) Training for staff and EDC members on intelligence gathering, identifying

wildlife article, collection and handling of biological materials, identification

of flora and fauna, wildlife census techniques, animal health monitoring,

weapon handling, modern fire fighting methods, participatory forest

management, unarmed combat, acts and rules etc.

b) Provide training to EDC members on scientific/ sustainable collection of

NWFP and value addition

c) Training for staff and EDC members in rescue operations.

d) Maintain record of all training with relevant details.

e) Train EDC members on microplanning of PFM accounting and management.

9.4. Vaccination and health monitoring

Annual and periodic monitoring of animals through direct sightings and

checking droppings shall be carried out with the support of veterinary officers and

researchers and effective follow up steps will be persued on emergencies.

The Park is surrounded by tea estates in its southern boundary. There is one

tribal settlement inside the Park namely Lakkomkudy. A totals of 96 cattle are their

immediate boundary and inside the National Park. In addition there are a number of

cattle in the tea estates and also in Koodakkad Proposed Reserve adjoining the Park.

The monitoring if these cattle and periodic vaccination in association with the local

vetinary department, tea estate management and EDC / VSS will be done to detect and

prevent the spread of diseases from the cattle to wild life. The fringe cattle shall be

monitored and periodically vaccinated for contagious diseases.

9.5. Weather and vegetation monitoring

Study (Ravindranath N.H et al., 2006) predicts that the forest eco system will be

badly affected by the process of global warming in the years to come. Hence it is highly

necessary that the weather data in Eravikulam National Park is collected and analysed

to know the changes in climatic factors and correlate with the vegetation changes. The

following activities are proposed in this regard:

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• Installation of additional automated meteorological stations for regular

recording of weather data at Rajamala, Eravikulam and Poovar.

• Establishment of permanent plots and long-term monitoring of the vegetation

changes in the sholas and grasslands.

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CHAPTER 10

ORGANISATION AND ADMINISTRATION

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10.1. Structure

The organizational structure of the Park is as shown below:

10.2. Responsibilities

10.2.1. The Eravikulam National Park will be headed by the Wildlife Warden who will

have overall responsibility for the implementation of the Management Plan. The

Wildlife Warden will develop a pocket field guide with schedule of operations for

the implementation of management plan and supply it to Assistant Wildlife

Warden, Deputy Ranger and staff.

10.2.2. The Wildlife Warden will make arrangements to supply the following control

forms (Annexure 11) to the Assistant Wildlife Warden, Deputy Ranger and

Foresters and compile the information about the Park.

10.2.3. The Wildlife Warden, Munnar shall prepare Annual Plan of Operations and

Schedule of Operations every year in the first quarter of each year for the

subsequent financial year.

Field Director

WildlifeWarden Munnar

Assistant Wildlife Warden, Eravikulam National Park.

Deputy Ranger, Chattamunnar Forest Station

Forester,Forest Guards and Forest Watchers Rajamala out post.

Forester, Forest Guards and Forest Watchers ChattamunnarForest Station.

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10.2.4. The Wildlife Warden shall not deviate from the Management Plan prescriptions

without the prior permission in writing of the Chief Wildlife Warden.

10.2.5. The Wildlife Warden shall also take action for reviewing the Management Plan

after five years

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CHAPTER 11

THE BUDGET