Angry outbursts and tears of desperation swept the hillsides in the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve (ABR), particularly in Theni district. In the last few weeks, the Forest Department has issued eviction notices to thousands of households on the Tamil Nadu side alleging they had encroached on forest land.
Based on the findings and recommendations of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), the Supreme Court directed a time-bound encroachment eviction plan, rehabilitation where applicable, legal action against willful violators, and post-eviction ecological restoration. It also imposed additional penalties against 118 government servants found to be encroachers, and ordered the dismantling of all structures, utilities, logistical facilities, etc. within encroached forest areas. Finally, the Bench prohibited the diversion of forest land or the start of new non-forest activities within the ABR until all encroachments had been removed.
Likewise, it granted immunity from prosecution to all forest, police, revenue, and other officials involved in surveying, demarcating, and removing encroachments as part of this exercise except in cases involving mala fide or arbitrary action. Significantly, the Court directed the CEC to recommend the deployment of paramilitary forces if the Tamil Nadu government failed to comply with the Court’s directions.
