Declare Moondru Malai as biodiversity heritage site, demands nature forum

Madurai: Moondru Malai (Penmalai) near Usilampatti in Madurai district have been identified as having the potential to be declared a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) by the Madurai Cultural Nature Forum (MCNF). After a nature walk conducted last Sunday, the MCNF, consisting of 30 members including environmentalists, students, and professors, documented a significant increase in biodiversity in the region.

They are urging the district administration to take steps to preserve this ecologically and culturally rich area, spanning 500 acres.

During their survey, the MCNF discovered previously unseen small flat butterflies, indicating a rise in biodiversity. They recorded 90 types of plants, 51 types of birds, 14 types of butterflies, and 3 types of reptiles, underscoring the ecological importance of the area. The hills also hold ancient treasures such as 50 rocks with 3,000-year-old rock paintings near Puthur Malai, a part of the Moondru Malai range, as well as Jain sculptures dating back to the 10th century BC on the western slopes.

Furthermore, the hills feature old temples that reflect the local beliefs and traditions cherished by villagers. Tamil Dasan, the convener of MCNF, emphasizes the need to safeguard this ecological and cultural heritage by declaring the area as a BHS, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

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