Tamil Nadu Government has taken a significant step towards environmental conservation and addressing the climate crisis by notifying 100 forest blocks as Reserved Forests over the last four years. This initiative has increased the legally protected green areas within the state.
Implemented between 2021 and 2025, this move aims to preserve biodiversity-rich regions, safeguard wildlife corridors, and maintain sensitive ecosystems for the long term.
According to figures released by Forest Minister R.S. Raja Kannappan, approximately 135 square kilometres have been added as Reserved Forests through these notifications. Consequently, Tamil Nadu’s total Reserved Forest area has grown from 26,450 square kilometres to 26,585 square kilometres.
The newly declared forest blocks cover about 13,495 hectares across ten districts: Dindigul, Dharmapuri, Madurai, Kallakurichi, Theni, Sivaganga, Namakkal, Nilgiris, Salem, and Tenkasi.
Significance of Key Forest Areas
The largest addition is the Highway Forest Block in Theni district, spanning 2,836.33 hectares. Officials emphasize the ecological sensitivity of this area and its vital role in maintaining climate balance.
In Nilgiris, forest officials highlighted that the new Reserved Forests will enhance wildlife movement. Venkatesh Prabhu, Forest Division Officer of Gudalur, noted that Cherumulli forest block borders the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, while Yellamalai forest block lies near Mukurthi National Park. Declaring these as Reserved Forests will strengthen biodiversity conservation, help control forest fires, and ensure long-term habitat security.
Many of these lands were earlier classified as ‘Janmam Reserve Land.’ A special committee set up by the state government is actively identifying ecologically important areas for swift notification. Seven to eight proposals covering about 100 hectares have already been submitted for government approval.
Resolving Long-Standing Issues and Conservation Focus
Environmentalists have shown keen interest in declaring forest land in the Meghamalai region as Reserved Forest due to its significance as part of the southern Western Ghats landscape. This area is known for the movement of elephants, tigers, and several rare species.
In Dindigul, the notification process has helped resolve disputes that lasted for years. Forest Division Officer Naga Satish explained that unclear boundaries had prevented some forest blocks from being notified for nearly two decades. After detailed surveys, these areas have now been included, protecting habitats of rare species like the slender loris.
Legal Compliance and Future Plans
Senior officials confirmed that all notifications were completed following the legal procedures under Section 16 of the Tamil Nadu Forest Act, 1882. The government continues to work on identifying and protecting environmentally sensitive forest lands to reinforce conservation efforts across the state.
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