The government has sanctioned Rs 33.60 crore for forest development and preservation under this year's annual plan from the Thirteenth Finance Commission’s grants-in-aid for the forest department.

The commission had sanctioned a sum of Rs 142.48 crore for the five year plan period. In the first two years, the government had sanctioned Rs 17.81 crore each. This year, the department has sanctioned Rs 2.01 crore for establishment of butterfly park in Tiruchi and providing a road train with traction facilities at Arignar Anna Zoological Park.