D. Radhakrishnan UNAWARE OF DANGER: A deer darting across the road at Mavanhallah near the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. UDHAGAMANDALAM: The pressure stemming from development should not allow the man-wildlife conflict to get out of hand. Adopting this approach, the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve near here has drawn up a plan to deal with the fallout of the considerable increase in the arrival of tourists, and the consequent pressure on the habitat, especially the highways that cut through the reserve. Speaking to The Hindu, Rajiv K.Srivastava, Field Director, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, said that to ease the stress, more and more people were making a bee line for forests, especially places such as Mudumalai. However, the capacity of the forest areas remained the same. This trend had affected the wild animals; some were getting killed by speeding vehicles. A slew of measures would be implemented to deal with this problem. Patrolling would be done by a special force comprising ex-servicemen. They would be equipped with sensors that would measure the speed of vehicles. If the motorists exceeded the speed limit at any place in the reserve, they would be penalised. The movement of vehicles from dusk to dawn would be banned. Furthermore, he said, boards to enhance awareness among the motorists of the sensitive nature of the area would be erected in a number of places. The Highways Department would be asked to put up speed humps near the places where the animals usually cross. The escalating man-wild animal conflict was a cause for concern, Mr. Srivastava said. Anti-depredation squads were being formed. To prevent people committing wildlife offences, informers would be encouraged. However, he said, if the people of the Nilgiris had not been as eco-sensitive as they were over the years, the conflict would have reached alarming proportions. Mr. Srivastava said that if the proposal to merge the Sigur, Singara and Thengumarahaada reserve forests with Mudumalai became a reality, the conflict would come down significantly. To deal with the increase in the number of visitors, a major infrastructure development programme was being implemented. Under it, more accommodation would be provided and one more safari van added. To relieve the pressure at Theppakadu, an eco tourism zone would be developed at Masinagudy. More public conveniences and better parking facilities would be provided. The interpretation centre would be upgraded.