42 Resorts Operating Illegally in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve Eco-Sensitive Zone
The Tamil Nadu government has disclosed to the Madras High Court that at least 42 resorts are functioning without proper licences within the eco-sensitive zone of the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) in Erode district. This revelation came in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by R Karpagam of Coimbatore, who sought action against illegal resorts and farmhouses in the reserve.
Government Submits Detailed Report on Illegal Constructions
Special Government Pleader (Forests) T Seenivasan informed the first bench, comprising Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan, that suitable enforcement action is being taken against these establishments. According to a report filed by the Erode district collector, the law mandates that proper licences or permissions must be obtained before any construction in the eco-sensitive zone of the reserve.
The report detailed that a joint inspection team examined 53 resorts, lodges, and farmhouses. The findings were alarming:
- Only 11 buildings were constructed with valid building permissions or licences.
- The remaining 42 were found to be operating without any licences, raising serious environmental and legal concerns.
Court Grants Time for Further Action and Status Report
The Madras High Court has granted the government three weeks to take further action against the other resorts and file a status report by April 7. The bench clarified that if any action is contemplated against the illegal resorts, the concerned persons can approach the appellate authority against the notices issued.
In its order, the court stated: "It is made clear that if any action is contemplated against the illegal resorts, it is for the person concerned to approach the appellate authority against the notices issued. In the event of any appeal being filed before the statutory appellate authority, it is for the appellate authority to consider the appeal on its own merits without reference to the pendency of this writ petition."
Petitioner Highlights Ongoing Issues
Advocate S P Chockalingam, representing the petitioner R Karpagam, submitted that there are still several resorts listed in the affidavit where action is yet to be taken. This indicates that the problem might be more extensive than currently reported, with potential additional illegal operations in the sensitive ecological area.
The Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, a critical habitat for tigers and other wildlife, requires stringent protection of its eco-sensitive zones to prevent habitat degradation and ensure biodiversity conservation. The illegal constructions pose a significant threat to this fragile ecosystem.
The Tamil Nadu forest department's proactive stance in investigating and addressing these violations demonstrates a commitment to environmental governance. However, the scale of illegal activity uncovered suggests that enhanced monitoring and stricter enforcement are necessary to safeguard the reserve's ecological integrity.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing tourism development with conservation efforts in protected areas. The outcome of the government's actions and the court's oversight will be crucial in setting a precedent for similar cases across India's network of tiger reserves and national parks.
