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Jun 17, 2026 Major2
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Tamil Nadu Offers Free Entry to Wildlife Sanctuaries for CM Vijay's 52nd Birthday
Tamil Nadu will provide free entry to three state wildlife sanctuaries—Vandalur, Velur Amrithi, and Salem Kuru Patti—on June 21 and 22 to celebrate Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's 52nd birthday. Forest Minister Ranjith Kumar announced that the government will bear the estimated ₹70 lakh cost, with visitors still required to book tickets online.
Quick Facts
Who
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay
What
Free entry to three wildlife sanctuaries
When
June 21 and 22, 2026
Where
Vandalur biological park
- Free entry to three wildlife sanctuaries
- Birthday celebration announcement
- Cost to be covered by minister and family charitable trust
- Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay
- Minister Ranjith Kumar
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's 52nd birthday will be celebrated across Tamil Nadu with free entry to three state wildlife sanctuaries on June 21 and 22. Forest Minister Ranjith Kumar announced the decision at a press conference in Chennai, confirming that visitors of all ages will be permitted to enter Vandalur, Velur Amrithi, and Salem Kuru Patti biological parks without payment during these two days.
Visitors must obtain entry tickets online through the standard booking process, though no fees will be charged for admission. The government estimates the cost of waiving entry fees for the two days at approximately ₹70 lakh. Minister Ranjith Kumar announced that he, his siblings, and their family charitable trust will fully cover this amount on behalf of the Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar) party.
The initiative aims to make wildlife sanctuaries accessible to the broader public during the Chief Minister's birthday celebration, allowing families and individuals across all age groups to experience these facilities free of charge. The announcement reflects the state government's effort to combine official celebrations with public engagement through wildlife conservation facilities.
Why This Matters
This initiative democratizes access to Tamil Nadu's wildlife sanctuaries during a high-profile public celebration, potentially driving conservation awareness among ordinary families who might not otherwise visit these facilities. The symbolic gesture of using the Chief Minister's birthday to remove economic barriers to nature education demonstrates how political events can serve broader public welfare objectives, while the private funding arrangement alleviates fiscal burden on state resources.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 17, 2026
WireForest Minister Ranjith Kumar announces free entry to wildlife sanctuaries
Jun 21, 2026
WireFree entry begins at Vandalur, Velur Amrithi, and Salem Kuru Patti parks
Jun 22, 2026
WireSecond and final day of free entry to wildlife sanctuaries