Wildlife
Parks & Sanctuary In IndiaPeriyar
Wildlife ConservationIn the present day Reserve area, a
dam was constructed across the Periyar river in 1895 to provide irrigation
facilities in Tamil Nadu. The forest around the reservoir, the Periyar Lake,
was declared a reserve forest known as Periyar Lake Reserve in 1899. This
area was declared as Nellikkampetty Sanctuary (600 sq. km. ) in 1934. The
Sanctuary was extended to 777 sq. km. in 1950 and renamed as Periyar
Wildlife Sanctuary. It was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. The Reserve is
contiguous with Ranni extending up to Achancovil. The core area of the
Reserve, 350 sq. km. was declared a National Park in 1982.