Coimbatore:
Allaying fears about the impact of the recent ban on tourists in the core areas of Tiger Reserves, Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K T Pachaimal today said it would not affect general public and development works.
At a meeting held to discuss the issue in Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) in the district in his chamber, Pachaimal assured to safeguard the rights of tribals and other public in the area by taking necessary steps, since the ban was only for tourists.
He said already 958 KM area in ATR was declared as critical tiger habitat and considering the situation and concern expressed by the people there, a committee would be formed with local MLA and officials to look into the issue.
After taking necessary measures to protect the tiger habitat, the issue would be taken to the notice of the Supreme Court, which ordered the ban, considering the welfare of the locals, a release from the office of Conservator of forests, Coimbatore Circle, said.
The meeting was attended by state agriculture minister, S Damodaran and Valparai MLA, M Arumugam and other senior officials, the release said.