Year of Formation & Area of Tiger Reserve:

Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve (SMTR) was formed during the year 2021, as per G.O.(Ms)No. 14, Environment and Forests (FR-5) Department, Dt.08.02.2021 under section  38 V of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 in accordance with the recommendation made by National Tiger Conservation Authority. On comprising of 47863.25 ha. of Srivilliputhur Grizzled Giant Squirrel Sanctuary area and 53793.88 ha. of Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary area, the Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve was formed with an area of 101657.13 Ha.

Water Sources in SMTR area:

The Srivilliputhu Megamalai Tiger Reserve (SMTR) area primarily relies on three perennial rivers: Vaigai, Suruliyaru, and Shanmuganathi. These rivers converge at the Vaigai Dam, serving as the main source of water for five southern districts. Additionally, the Srivilliputhur Division reserve forest area boasts three ephemeral streams: Arjuna Nadhi, Mudangiar, and Sevalperiar. Notably, Mudangiar acts as a vital source of drinking water for the entire Rajapalayam taluk and also features numerous ephemeral streams, including Deviyar, Nagariar, Piravadiyar, Kottamalaiyaru, Kallar, Athithondiyar, Peyanar, Chitar, Kovilaru, Palamalaiyar, Thaniparaiyaru, Papanathakovilaru, Thalamalayankovilaru, and Sevittukiyavankovilaru. These streams reach the foothills of Virudhunagar District. Similarly, Pachaiathukavu Aru, Nondiyaru, Kulatiyaru, Sempu Aru, and S.Kottamalaiyaru reach the foothills of Madurai District.  The streams in Virudhunagar District flow eastward, feeding numerous tanks along their course before converging to form the Vaippar River. This river flows in a south-easterly direction and eventually enters Thoothukudi District. In contrast, the streams in Madurai District, except for S.Kottamalaiaru, flow northward, nourishing tanks in Peraiyur Taluk before uniting and reaching Gundar.

Eco Sensitive Zone:

The total area of Eco-sensitive Zone of SMTR is 422.59 Ha.  Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary ESZ has been declared vide Gazette of India, New Delhi No.3620 Dt. 11.09.2018 publication of S.O.No.4774(E), Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, New Delhi Notification Dt.10.11.2018. The area of Eco-sensitive Zone is 116.73 ha. The extent of Eco-sensitive Zone varies from 0 km to 1.70 km around the Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary of this Tiger Reserve.  In respect to Srivilliputhur Wildlife Sanctuary, Eco-sensitive Zone has been declared vide Government of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, New Delhi Final Notification No. 3974(E) dated 31.10.2019. The area of Eco-sensitive Zone is 305.86 ha. The extent of Eco-sensitive Zone varies from 0 km to 6.23 km around the Srivilliputhur Wildlife Sanctuary of this Tiger Reserve.