Supreme Court ने Srivilliputhur‑Megamalai टाइगर रिज़र्व में बड़े पैमाने पर बेदखली का आदेश दिया – वन कानून के लिए निहितार्थ
Supreme Court ने बड़े पैमाने पर अतिक्रमणों पर अपर्याप्त कार्रवाई का हवाला देते हुए, Srivilliputhur‑Megamalai टाइगर रिज़र्व में सभी अवैध बस्तियों और सरकारी सुविधाओं की एक‑महीने की बेदखली योजना और छह‑महीने में हटाने का आदेश दिया। ये निर्देश Forest (Conservation) Act, Central Empowered Committee, और अधिकारियों के लिए अनुशासनात्मक नियमों को लागू करते हैं, जो वन संरक्षण को नियंत्रित करने वाले कानूनी ढांचे को उजागर करते हैं और UPSC तैयारी के लिए इसकी प्रासंगिकता को रेखांकित करते हैं।
Supreme Court Directions on Encroachments in SMTR The Supreme Court, alarmed by large‑scale illegal occupation in the SMTR , issued a set of strict orders to restore the forest and enforce wildlife laws. Key Developments Only 66 out of 4,601 encroachers have been relocated; 52.86 ha of 5,072.65 ha encroached land recovered. The Court directed the State to submit a division‑wise eviction plan within one month , detailing timelines, responsibilities, rehabilitation and restoration measures. All government facilities (PDS outlets, Anganwadi centres, schools) inside the reserve must be discontinued, relocated or dismantled within six months . Disciplinary and legal action against 118 serving and retired government employees identified as encroachers, under the Tamil Nadu Government Servants' Conduct Rules . Illegal resorts and tourism infrastructure in the Megamalai region are to be made non‑operational and dismantled under supervision of the CEC . Protection of officials involved in eviction work, except for cases of mala‑fide action, and provision for paramilitary assistance if the State fails to comply. Important Facts The reserve hosts the upper catchment of the Vaigai River, making it ecologically sensitive. Over 4,600 people occupy more than 5,000 hectares of reserved forest. Despite years of enforcement, progress has been negligible, prompting the Court’s intervention. Specific directives include: Preparation of an eviction plan with clear milestones and officer‑level responsibilities. Continuous monitoring by the State Law Department of all pending encroachment cases. Imposition of environmental restitution charges to be deposited with the CAMPA and used only for ecological restoration. A moratorium on welfare schemes, utili
Quick Reference
Key Insight
Supreme Court’s mass eviction order in SMTR reinforces forest law and admin accountability
Key Facts
- Only 66 of 4,601 encroachers have been relocated; 52.86 ha of 5,072.65 ha recovered.
- The Supreme Court ordered a division‑wise eviction plan within one month, with clear timelines and responsibilities.
- All government facilities (PDS, Anganwadi, schools) inside SMTR must be removed or relocated within six months.
- Disciplinary and legal action against 118 serving and retired Tamil Nadu officials identified as encroachers under the Tamil Nadu Government Servants' Conduct Rules, 1973.
- Illegal resorts and tourism infrastructure in Megamalai to be dismantled under supervision of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC).
- Restoration funds to be deposited with CAMPA and used only for afforestation and ecological restoration.
- Forest Survey of India (FSI) to survey, demarcate and digitise SMTR boundaries within six months.
Background
The Srivilliputhur‑Megamalai Tiger Reserve (SMTR) in Tamil Nadu is a critical watershed for the Vaigai River and part of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere. Massive illegal occupation of over 5,000 ha has threatened its ecological integrity, prompting the Supreme Court to intervene using forest statutes and administrative accountability mechanisms.
UPSC Syllabus
- GS3 — Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation
- Prelims_GS — Ecology and Biodiversity
- Essay — Environment and Sustainability
- GS3 — Environmental Impact Assessment
- Essay — Economy, Development and Inequality
- GS3 — Biodiversity and its Conservation
- Essay — Democracy, Governance and Public Administration
- GS2 — Constitutional posts, bodies and their powers and functions
- GS4 — Dimensions of ethics - private and public relationships
- GS3 — Cyber security and communication networks in internal security
Mains Angle
In a GS‑3 answer, discuss how the SC's directives in SMTR illustrate the enforcement of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and the role of the judiciary in ensuring compliance by the executive and bureaucracy.