The Supreme Court has directed authorities to urgently remove encroachments from the ecologically sensitive Agasthyamalai landscape spanning parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, while ordering strict disciplinary and legal action against 118 serving and retired government officials identified as encroachers in the protected forest region.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta noted that encroachments within key protected zones—including the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve, and Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary—have persisted for decades despite repeated judicial directions from the Madras High Court and earlier orders of the apex court. The bench stressed that the matter goes beyond administrative lapses and touches upon the constitutional duty to protect fragile ecosystems and endangered wildlife.

The court observed that, according to a July 2025 interim report of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), the Agasthyamalai ecological landscape covers about 3,500 sq km across Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It also cited district-level reports indicating large-scale encroachment in reserved forest areas, including over 4,600 identified encroachers occupying more than 5,000 hectares, with minimal recovery of encroached land so far.

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Significantly, the bench flagged that 118 of the identified encroachers are serving or retired government employees across multiple departments, including the forest, revenue, police, education, electricity, and other public services. It noted that while some recovery action has begun, proceedings against many individuals remain pending, raising concerns about enforcement delays and institutional accountability.

The Supreme Court has now ordered the preparation and implementation of a time-bound, division-wise eviction plan with clear deadlines, measurable targets, and officer accountability. It directed that the plan include eviction, rehabilitation where applicable, legal proceedings against violators, and ecological restoration to prevent re-encroachment of reclaimed land. The court also mandated disciplinary and legal action under service conduct rules against the identified officials.

Further, the bench ordered a blanket restriction on extending welfare schemes, utilities, and infrastructure support in encroached forest areas, and called for dismantling of illegal structures, including resorts and commercial establishments operating within protected zones. It warned that if the state fails to comply, the Central Empowered Committee may recommend deployment of paramilitary forces to assist in eviction, and directed monthly compliance reporting with continued monitoring until full implementation.

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