Tamil Nadu: Eastern Ghats districts to get green uplift

CHENNAI: The state govt is expanding its special area development programme (SADP) to include 33 blocks in 11 districts, including Kalvarayan hills in Kallakurichi, within the Eastern Ghats, starting this fiscal year 2024-25.

This expansion aims to replicate the success of the programme in the Western Ghats by promoting holistic development and biodiversity conservation in these ecologically sensitive areas, particularly benefitting tribal population in the buffer zones near forests.

82 blocks across 14 districts in the eastern ghats were initially considered for inclusion. Following technical and scientific assessments conducted by Anna university and the Tamil Nadu e-governance agency, 33 blocks 400 meters above sea level were selected.

The blocks fall in Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Kallakurichi, Namakkal, Dindigul, Erode, Salem, Tirupathur, Tiruvannamalai, Trichy, and Vellore. "Most of the areas identified in the eastern ghats for the SADP are backward and socio-economic development is given priority," an official said.

Since 2015, the SADP has been operational in 11 western ghats districts with a focus on hill areas and regions susceptible to left-wing extremism.

This was in the wake of the discontinuance of the centrally sponsored hill area development programme and western ghats development programme.

Funded entirely by the state, the SADP emphasises sustainable development, biodiversity preservation, and eco-friendly initiatives.

The programme prioritises soil, water, forest conservation, sustainable livelihood development, and protection of the environment.