Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin hands over a weapon to a Forest Department staff during a function held in Coimbatore on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: PERIASAMY M
Tamil Nadu’s first rescue, treatment and rehabilitation centre (RTRC) for wildlife, set up at a cost of ₹19.50 crore at Pethikuttai in the Sirumugai forest range of the Coimbatore Forest Division, was inaugurated on Tuesday by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.
Mr. Udhayanidhi inaugurated the facility virtually from the Tamil Nadu Forest Academy in Coimbatore city. The RTRC has been established to provide treatment for injured wildlife, animals separated from their groups, and those affected by human–wildlife conflict. It is equipped with a modern operation theatre, 17 animal enclosures, and comprehensive veterinary facilities to ensure high-quality care and protection for rescued animals.
He also virtually inaugurated an elephant camp at Chadivayal, set up at a cost of ₹8 crore, aimed at strengthening elephant management and conservation in the State.
Tamil Nadu Forest Archives Repository
In addition, Mr. Stalin launched the Tamil Nadu Forest Archives Repository, an electronic archive developed by the Tamil Virtual Academy at a cost of ₹2.60 crore. The portal provides access to around 200-year-old records of the Forest Department, including documents, maps, and historical records, for researchers, forest officials, academics, and the public.
Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin handed over weapons to Forest department personnel during a function held in Coimbatore on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit:
PERIASAMY M
During the event, the Deputy Chief Minister distributed 123 newly procured .315 sporting rifles, 65 9mm auto pistols, and 204 12-bore pump-action guns, along with 17,376 units of ammunition, to Forest Department staff.
The inauguration was attended by Minister for Forests and Khadi R.S. Rajakannappan, MPs Ganapathi P. Rajkumar and K. Eswarasamy, MLA V. Senthil Balaji, Additional Chief Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forests Supriya Sahu, District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar, Coimbatore Mayor K. Ranganayaki, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of the Forest Force Srinivas R. Reddy, along with other elected representatives and senior forest officials.
Published – December 30, 2025 08:53 pm IST
