Supreme Court Order: Directs the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to conduct a detailed survey of the Agasthyamalai landscape.
Survey Aim: To identify non-forestry activities and encroachments violating the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Also, to compare forest cover data to assess degradation.
Key Areas: Survey to include Periyar Tiger Reserve, Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary, Meghamalai and Thirunelveli Wildlife Sanctuaries.
Agasthyamalai Importance: A UNESCO-recognized 3,500 sq. km biosphere reserve spanning Tamil Nadu and Kerala, part of the Western Ghats. Home to unique flora and fauna like Neelakurinji, Lion-Tailed Macaque and indigenous communities like the Kani tribe.
Restoration Focus: Survey is an interim measure to restore the forests, protect tiger habitats, wildlife reserves and sanctuaries within the biosphere.
Data Requirements: The CEC report must contain comparative data showing changes in forest cover to gauge the extent of depletion.
Forest Depletion Impact: The court acknowledges forest destruction contributes to climate change.
State Commitment: Tamil Nadu assures commitment to remove encroachments and restore the landscape.
Background: The judgment arose from petitions to preserve forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and tiger reserves in Tamil Nadu, including the rehabilitation of workers evicted from a tea estate.
