Nilgiri Tahrs inside the Eravicula National Park (ENP) in Munnar in Idukki. | Photo Credit: Jomon Pampavallley
Fifty years ago, the National Park Eravicula (ENP), the untouched station Nilgiri Tahr in Munnar, was almost lost in the redistribution of land. But the unusual behind -the -scenes agreement, sealed over the wagons of rice, changed its fate forever.
31. March the park celebrated its golden jubilee and described half a century since he was declared a sanctuary of Eavicula-Rajamal Wildlife Sanctuary. It was after the quiet movement of the group of people that Eavicula was declared a protected area. Officials say that Eavicula-Rajamal Wildlife Sanctuary was created in 1975 to protect Nilgiri Tahr, and later called ENP in 1978.
According to records around 1975, the government decided to give the land to people without land. It was done with Micabhoomi, which is an extra country that has been taken from the plantation of Kanan Devan Hills (KDHP). However, the then managers KDHP, JC Godsbery, Samar Singh and KN Chenkappa, intervened in the matter and called the Minister of the Central Government MK Ranjith Sinh, Munnar. After the visit, Mr. Sing submitted the report to the Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Rice agreement
In his book “Life with wild animals – from the princely India after the presence” MK Ranjit Sinh said, “Indira Gandhi wrote a personal letter to the then main Minister Keral Achuth Menon, who asked him to declare this area as a national park.
The book also describes how the rice agreement resulted in a park statement. “Minister for food Anna Shaheb Shinde temporarily took over further responsibility for the portfolio of forests and wild animals.” One day he asked me if he was waiting for forest problems in Kerala, and he informed me that Kerela Baby John would arrive at a meeting. He informed about the waiting problem of Eavikulum, asked me to join the meeting, ”said the book.
“During the meeting, John informed about the lack of rice and sought 40 railway cars. Shinde immediately offered 25 rice wagons and then asked a statement with a disarming smile. Baby John, returned to me.
Uniqueness
The leading official of the Forest Department said that the unique ecosystem of Shola Grassland is what ENP makes special. “No other National Park nor the shrines in the state has such an ecosystem,” the official said.
Guardian Munnar Wildlife KV Harikrishnan said that ENP is a popular destination for tourists around the world. “The park is now aimed at becoming a carbon neutral and green tourist destination. The main attractions in the park are Fernarium, Orchidarium and Neelakurinji Garden,” the clerk said.
ENP will be open for tourists on Tuesday after a two -month -old calf period of Nilgiri Tahrs. “This year, more than 90 new births were reported in the park and according to the People census in 2024, the total number of Th 827 was in ENP 827,” said Mr. Harikrishnan.
Published – 31 March 2025 17:30
