Erumaparai to become first tribal settlement in ATR to get power connection

After several decades of waiting, Erumaparai tribal settlement near Top Slip will soon become the first tribal settlement in the Pollachi Forest Division of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) to get power connection.

According to ATR authorities, various formalities have been completed and 34 Kadar tribal families are expected to get power connection within a month.

On Wednesday, senior officials from the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) inspected the settlement which is situated within the limits of Ulandy forest range of ATR.

“A high voltage power line is passing through the locality. Tangedco will install a step-down transformer to convert the voltage for the use of the tribal families,” said S. Ramasubramanian, Conservator of Forests and Field Director of ATR.

He said that the Tangedco will use concealed cables to supply power to the tribal settlement from the high voltage main line for the safety of wild animals and people.

Mr. Ramasubramanian and M.G. Ganesan, Deputy Director of ATR (Pollachi division) conducted multiple visits to speed up the formalities and aid the tribal families.

Ulandy forest range officer A. Kasilingam said that there are 18 tribal settlements within the limits of the Pollachi division of ATR and the families are depending on solar-powered lights.