Even as the Valparai Development Union formed by 27 organizations has been stressing on the fact that Valparai can become a hotspot tourist destination if there is an equal mix of entertainment facilities to the scenic spot, the forest department officials have voiced concern against introducing such facilities in the area which is a part of Anaimalai Tiger Reserve.

Valparai is one of the important eco tourist spots in the Coimbatore District with a variety of flora and fauna. Though there is no scarcity for natural beauty, the members of the Valparai Development Union have been demanding entertainment facilities. The members had sought for entertainment facilities such as boat house and botanical garden. Para gliding was also seen as a possibility.

Valparai Development Union Co-ordinator Mr. Shaju Surabilingam said “We have been fighting for this for a long time. The development of Valparai is the mission of our union. The feasibility survey of the Revenue Department for a boat house and botanical garden is the first victory to us,” he said.

Sources revealed that the Coimbatore District Revenue department had conducted a survey to decide on a proper place to construct a boat house and a botanical garden in Valparai following instructions from the District Revenue officer T.Chiristi Raj.

However, sources from the forest department said that these developments may not happen in Valparai as the place comes under Anamalai Tiger Reserve. “This place is under close surveillance of the Central Government and it comes under the National Tiger Conservation Authority,” an official of the department stated.

Claiming that the protests carried out by the union would not be effective ,the official further added entertainment facilities and features would only destroy the serenity of the hill station. “The Botanical garden and boat house may look entertaining but it will directly affect the wild animals including elephants and tigers . The lakes would definitely get polluted and the place would lose its serenity,” the official added.