Masinagudi residents are apprehensive of what Mudumalai tiger reserve holds for them On July 15, inside the core of Mudumalai tiger reserve in Tamil Nadu, a group of workers waited for a jeep to take them to Masinagudi

The only relocation on the anvil is for 320 tribal families in the core area. These families want relocation and have even petitioned the Madras High Court. The only tribals who will continue to live in the core are those employed by the forest department as anti-poaching watchers and mahouts. The captive elephants once used for timber extraction are now used for eco tourism, patrolling for anti

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The elephant of the Samayapuram Mariamman temple will be handed over to the Forest Department. The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department has issued an order to shift the pachyderm immediately. The 19-year old male elephant, Mariappan, has often been turning restive for the past couple of years causing anxiety to temple officials and devotees. Officials have arrived at the decision in consultation with veterinary experts from the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and local veterinary assistants.