Why in news?
A special polling station was established for just five voters at Vellimalai village in Tamil Nadu. Election officials trekked for three hours through dense forest to reach the village, which lies within the Srivilliputhur–Megamalai Tiger Reserve. This effort highlights India’s commitment to ensuring that even remote communities can participate in democratic processes.
Background
The Srivilliputhur–Megamalai Tiger Reserve (SMTR) was created in 2021 by merging the Srivilliputhur Grizzled Giant Squirrel Sanctuary and the Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary. The reserve covers about 1,016 square kilometres across the districts of Virudhunagar, Theni and Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Its core area of roughly 641 square kilometres is surrounded by a buffer zone of 374 square kilometres. The reserve’s forests form an important corridor linking the Periyar and Anamalai tiger reserves in the Western Ghats. Rivers such as the Vaigai, Suruliyaru and Shanmuganathi originate or flow through the reserve, supplying water to millions of people downstream.
Details of the remote polling station
- Location: Vellimalai village is situated about 1,650 metres above sea level within the upper reaches of the Megamalai range. The village is accessible only via a narrow, rugged trail and lacks road connectivity.
- Electoral logistics: To set up the polling booth at the local government school, officials carried electronic voting machines and other materials on foot. The booth was equipped with power supply, drinking water and basic facilities.
- Depopulation: Many families have migrated from the village due to limited livelihood opportunities. Only five registered voters remain, but election laws require that polling stations be provided for all eligible citizens.
Importance of the tiger reserve
- Biodiversity hotspot: SMTR’s forests harbour tigers, leopards, elephants, grizzled giant squirrels and many endemic plants. The reserve connects habitats across the Western Ghats, allowing genetic exchange between animal populations.
- Water security: The reserve protects the headwaters of the Vaigai and other rivers that irrigate fields and supply drinking water in southern Tamil Nadu. Conserving its forests helps regulate streamflow and reduce floods.
- Community development: Improved infrastructure, eco‑tourism and sustainable agriculture initiatives can provide livelihoods for forest‑fringe communities and reduce pressure on wildlife habitat.