There are four stations in the park at different strategic locations. Year round presence of staff in these places is the most effective protection measure. Foot patrolling and occasional joint patrolling are done to protect the park. Now the situation had changed. Since a Buffer Zone has been created for the park, an exhaustive fool proof protection mechanism has to be designed to protect the National Park a whole. The conventional strategies may not be enough. Certain innovative measures have to be considered to tackle the problem like poaching and ganja cultivation
Eco-Develoment
As there were no human settlement inside the core area and not many dependent communities around the park, eco development measures were on a low key. As a first step in strengthening the protection of the park a full fledged eco development programme has to be launched. Unlike other protected areas of Kerala the name Silent Valley has a special name in heart of nature lovers. Co operation and voluntary services of like minded people may also be sought in the designing and implementation of the programme. The prospect of eco development is manifold and multifaceted. At the initial phase the services of sociologists will be of immense help in bridging the gap between of the park management and the inhabitants of the Buffer Zone.
Research and Monitoring
A research and monitoring wing is being setup in the park to carryout small scale/ short term management oriented research and monitoring of the habitat. This wing will carry out regular monitoring of the flora /fauna in consultation with the scientists in respective fields.
Apart from regular monitoring work, this wing will carry out other surveys which are immediately useful to the park.One of the essential roles of research wing is to assist eco tourism and nature education. Nature trails will becomes meaningless unless proper research is done to produce materials and for giving training to the staff. Theme based publications and brouchers preparation by this wing will add to support nature education and eco tourism
Nature Education
Silent Valley is a learning centre for understanding the ecological aspects of tropical rain forests. Free two day nature camps are conducted for schools/ college students. Each camp comprises of illustrated talk on bio diversity conservation, field interpretation, nature walks, bird watching etc. Almost all schools and colleges of Palakkad district and many other institutions from other districts and adjoining states utilize this attractive facility. Apart from this paid nature camps are also organized.
Habitat Protection and improvement
The Buffer Zone and adjoining region of Silent Valley National Park are fire prone areas . Necessary steps like laying fire lines , engaging fire fighters etc and other preventive measures are taken to safe guard the forest wealth of Silent Valley National Park. Necessary habitat restoration woks are being considered to bring back natural vegetation of the degraded places in the newly added Buffer Zone.
For more reading:
Problems and prospects in protecting the park - P.N. Unnikrishnan
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