Supreme Court Orders Clean-up of Agasthyamalai Landscape

The Supreme Court of India issued directions on 30 May 2026 for the removal of encroachers and demolition of illegal structures in the Agasthyamalai landscape in South India. The order covers forest areas in the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, which extends across parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Agasthyamalai Landscape

The Agasthyamalai landscape is part of the southern Western Ghats and includes protected areas, reserve forests, and wildlife habitats. The Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve in India and lies in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Forest Encroachment and Protected Areas

The order covers illegal resorts, commercial establishments, government facilities, and unauthorised infrastructure inside forest areas. The Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve and the Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary are among the protected areas named in the directions. The Central Empowered Committee identified more than 4,600 encroachers occupying over 5,000 hectares of forest land in the Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve. The committee also identified 116 government and public utility structures built without statutory approval.

Directions to State Authorities

The court directed the preparation of a time-bound, division-wise eviction plan with clear timelines, measurable milestones, and officer-level responsibilities. The plan is to be submitted to the Central Empowered Committee within one month. The order requires discontinuation, relocation, dismantling, and removal of unlawful structures within six months. It also calls for disciplinary, penal, and criminal action against officials who facilitated or permitted unlawful infrastructure in forest areas.

Enforcement and Monitoring

The Supreme Court stated that paramilitary forces may be deployed if state authorities do not implement the directions. The matter is listed for further monitoring on 1 September 2026, and the Central Empowered Committee has been asked to submit a fresh status report by 28 August 2026.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve is located in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
• The Central Empowered Committee functions in forest and environmental matters before the Supreme Court.
• The Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve is one of the protected areas in Tamil Nadu.
• Forest encroachment cases in India often involve the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and wildlife protection laws.