Forest Department in Coimbatore issues guidelines for New Year celebrations at resorts abutting reserve forests

Tamil Nadu Forest Dept. issues guidelines for resorts abutting reserve forests to protect wildlife & prevent forest fires ahead of New Year's Eve.

The Coimbatore Division of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department has issued a set of guidelines for resorts abutting reserve forests, ahead of New Year’s Eve.

The use of high-decibel loud speakers at resorts and clubs abutting reserve forests has been banned. The use of crackers of all types has also been banned. Resort owners have been advised to ensure minimal crowds so that wild animals in the region are not disturbed. Resorts have also been told not to use high light-emitting devices.

Lighting of camp fires has been strictly prohibited as this could potentially cause forest fires. Resort managements have also been instructed to ensure that their guests do not drive after consuming liquor. In the event of people staying at resorts sighting elephants, Indian gaur and deer, resorts have been asked to alert the Forest Department and not try and chase the animals away.

After New Year celebrations, waste generated should not be dumped in forests; resort managements should plan the proper disposal of their waste, the guidelines said.