Madras High Court Directs Forest Secretary to Appear Over Unreleased Conservation Funds
The Madras High Court has issued a significant directive, ordering Tamil Nadu's Forest Secretary, Supriya Sahu, to be present before the court on February 27. This summons comes as the court seeks a detailed explanation for the non-release of crucial funds allocated for the maintenance of forest areas where invasive species have been removed. The court emphasized that timely financial support is essential to prevent the regrowth of these harmful species and ensure the long-term restoration of the state's forests.
Court's Stern Warning on Conservation Delays
A special bench comprising Justice N Sathish Kumar and Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy expressed deep concern over the funding delays. The bench highlighted that earlier orders had meticulously outlined the maintenance requirements necessary for forest restoration post-removal of invasive species. Specifically, the court had mandated that funds generated from the removal process be deposited into a separate account and released periodically to support ongoing maintenance work. "The maintenance work must be done periodically, so that complete removal of the species is achieved," the judges stated, underscoring the critical need for consistent efforts to combat environmental degradation.
Background of the Special Bench and Current Issues
This special bench was established to address cases related to forest conservation and environmental issues in Tamil Nadu, hearing matters from both the principal bench in Chennai and the Madurai bench. During a recent hearing on Thursday, the bench was informed that a substantial amount of 81.78 crore rupees is pending release by the government. This funding is intended for invasive species removal and subsequent maintenance, as requested by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests. The matter has been languishing before the government, prompting judicial intervention to expedite the process.
Judicial Concerns and Immediate Actions
In response to the funding stalemate, the bench issued a stark warning: "If the amount is not sanctioned regularly, the invasive species will grow again." The judges further elaborated that without immediate government action, the entire objective of the conservation exercise could be derailed. To address this urgency, the court has mandated the presence of the Additional Chief Secretary at the next hearing. This move aims to hold officials accountable and ensure that bureaucratic hurdles do not compromise environmental protection efforts. The court's proactive stance reflects a growing judicial emphasis on enforcing environmental laws and safeguarding natural resources in Tamil Nadu.
