The Tamil Nadu Government on November 22 notified 193.215 hectares of area spread across Arittapatti and Meenakshipuram villages in Madurai district as ‘Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site’ under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
Key points
- This is the first Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) notified in Tamil Nadu.
- Biodiversity heritage sites are well-defined areas that are unique, ecologically fragile ecosystems with high diversity of wild and domesticated species, presence of rare and threatened species, and keystone species.
- The village Arittapatti consists of a chain of seven barren granite hillocks.
- The distinctive landscape of rocky hills acts as a watershed and supports 72 lakes, 200 natural spring pools, and three check dams.
- Anaikondan tank was built during the reign of Pandyas in the 16th century. Hillocks in Arittapatti village have rich biological and historical significance.
- The site also features various megalithic structures, Tamil Brahmi inscriptions, Jain Beds, and 2,200-year-old rock-cut temples, lending it historical value.
About Biodiversity heritage sites
- Biodiversity heritage sites are well-defined areas that are unique, ecologically fragile ecosystems with high diversity of wild and domesticated species, presence of rare and threatened species, and keystone species.
- The significance and aims of BHS are outlined in Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act of 2002.
- Heritage sites are different from the concept of “Protected areas”? Protected areas is covered in The Wild Life Act.
- The State Government may, from time to time in consultation with the local bodies, notify in the Official Gazette, areas of biodiversity importance as biodiversity heritage sites under this Act.
- Creation of BHS may not put any restriction on the prevailing practices and usages of the local communities, other than those voluntarily decided by them.
- The purpose is to enhance the quality of life of the local communities through conservation measures.
