The Supreme Court has ordered the immediate removal of encroachers and demolition of illegal structures across the ecologically sensitive Agasthyamalai landscape in South India.
A bench of justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta issued a comprehensive set of directions covering the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, including several protected areas such as tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries.
The court directed the preparation of a time-bound, division-wise encroachment eviction plan with clearly defined timelines, measurable milestones, and designated officer-level responsibilities.
The plan must include physical eviction of encroachers, rehabilitation measures wherever applicable, legal action against violators, and post-eviction ecological restoration to prevent reclaimed forest land from being reoccupied.
The court also ordered that all illegal resorts, commercial establishments, and tourism-related infrastructure operating within the Megamalai area and other forest lands be rendered non-operational immediately and dismantled in accordance with law.
Taking serious note of the role of public authorities in facilitating violations, the bench directed that 'stringent disciplinary, penal, and criminal action' be proposed against all officials, officers, and heads of departments who commenced, facilitated, approved, or permitted illegal infrastructure works in forest areas.
