42 Illegal Resorts Found Operating in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve Eco-Sensitive Zone
The Tamil Nadu government has informed the Madras High Court that at least 42 resorts are functioning illegally within the eco-sensitive zone of the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) in the Nilgiris. These establishments are operating without any valid licenses, prompting the state to take suitable enforcement action against them.
Government Submissions and Court Proceedings
The state forest department made these critical submissions in response to a public interest writ petition filed by R Karpagam of Coimbatore. The petitioner sought decisive action against illegal resorts and farmhouses operating within the STR forest area, highlighting significant environmental concerns.
Special Government Pleader (Forests) T Seenivasan told the first bench, comprising Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan, that while eleven other resorts have valid permissions, the department is actively pursuing action against all remaining unauthorized resorts and farmhouses in the region.
Inspection Findings and Legal Requirements
A detailed report filed by the Erode district collector emphasized that proper licenses and permissions are mandatory before any construction can be raised within the eco-sensitive zone of the reserve. This legal framework is designed to protect the fragile ecosystem of the tiger reserve.
The report revealed that a joint team conducted inspections at 53 resorts, lodges, and farmhouses. Shockingly, only 11 buildings were constructed with the necessary building permissions and licenses. The remaining 42 establishments were found to be operating completely without licenses, representing a serious breach of environmental regulations.
Court Directions and Timeline for Action
The Madras High Court bench has granted the Tamil Nadu government three weeks to take further action against the remaining illegal resorts. The government must file a comprehensive status report by April 7, detailing their enforcement measures.
The bench made it explicitly clear that if any action is contemplated against these illegal resorts, the concerned individuals must approach the appellate authority against any notices issued. The court emphasized that any appeals filed before the statutory appellate authority should be considered on their own merits, without reference to the pending writ petition.
Petitioner's Concerns and Ongoing Challenges
Advocate S P Chockalingam, representing the petitioner R Karpagam, submitted that several resorts listed in the affidavit still await action. This indicates that the problem may extend beyond the 42 identified establishments, suggesting a broader pattern of unauthorized commercial activity within the protected eco-sensitive zone.
The Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, located in the Nilgiris biosphere, is a critical habitat for Bengal tigers and other endangered species. The presence of unlicensed resorts in its eco-sensitive zone poses significant threats to wildlife conservation efforts and ecosystem integrity.
The Tamil Nadu government's acknowledgment of these illegal operations marks a crucial step toward environmental protection, but effective enforcement will determine whether this important tiger reserve receives the protection it desperately needs.
