Highlighting the right of animals to live free from fear and distress, the Madras High Court has ordered relocation of 495 families of Thengumarahada village, situated within the eastern boundary of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, on payment of ₹15 lakh each in compensation.

HC ordered that the total compensation amount of ₹74.25 crore be released from the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

The NTCA was directed to transfer the amount to the Tamil Nadu Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) within two months.

After receiving the amount, the PCCF must disburse the compensation and relocate the villagers within a month, the judges ordered and called for a compliance report by October 10.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body of the Government of India that was established in December 2005.

It was created under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, with the primary objective of ensuring the conservation and protection of tigers in India.

The NTCA is responsible for implementing various initiatives and programs aimed at safeguarding the tiger population and their habitats.

Key functions and responsibilities

Implementation of Project Tiger: The NTCA oversees the implementation of Project Tiger, which is a flagship conservation program aimed at protecting and conserving tigers and their habitats. It works in collaboration with tiger reserves located across different states of India.

Monitoring Tiger Reserves: The NTCA monitors the status of tiger reserves, their habitats, and the tiger population through systematic monitoring and scientific research. It also assists in formulating management plans for these reserves.

Anti-Poaching Efforts: One of the critical roles of the NTCA is to combat poaching and illegal trade of tiger parts. It coordinates with law enforcement agencies and wildlife officials to prevent the killing of tigers for their body parts.

Habitat Conservation: The NTCA focuses on habitat management and restoration to ensure that the tiger's natural habitats are protected and well-maintained.

Community Engagement: The authority promotes community-based conservation efforts by involving local communities living around tiger reserves. This approach aims to create a symbiotic relationship between conservation efforts and the well-being of local people.

Research and Capacity Building: The NTCA supports research and capacity-building initiatives to enhance the knowledge and skills of personnel engaged in tiger conservation efforts.

Policy Formulation: The authority plays a role in formulating policies and guidelines related to tiger conservation and related matters.

Collaboration: The NTCA collaborates with various government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international bodies to ensure effective conservation efforts.

Overall, the National Tiger Conservation Authority plays a crucial role in the protection and conservation of India's national animal, the tiger, and the preservation of its habitats.

The Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is a protected area and wildlife sanctuary located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India.

It is one of the important tiger reserves in the country and is part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

Key features and information:

Location: The Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is situated in the Nilgiri Hills, bordering the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. It is located in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Biodiversity: The reserve is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. It encompasses diverse ecosystems, including tropical forests, grasslands, swamps, and rivers.

Tiger Population: As the name suggests, the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is known for its tiger population. Tigers, along with other large mammals like elephants, Indian leopards, gaurs (Indian bison), and various deer species, inhabit the reserve.

Avian Diversity: The reserve is with numerous species of resident and migratory birds. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded in the area.

Vegetation: Mudumalai is characterized by different types of vegetation, including moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests, and thorn forests. These diverse habitats contribute to the varied wildlife found in the reserve.

Flora: The reserve is home to a variety of plant species, including teak, sandalwood, rosewood, and bamboo, among others.