EnvironmentSaturday, 30 May 2026·The Hindu
Supreme Court orders time-bound eviction plan for encroachments in Agasthyamalai ecological landscape
The Supreme Court directed a time-bound eviction plan for encroachments in the Agasthyamalai ecological landscape and action against 118 government servants.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On May 29, 2026, the Supreme Court ordered a time-bound eviction plan for encroachments in the Agasthyamalai ecological landscape spanning Tamil Nadu and Kerala, and directed action against 118 serving and retired government servants identified as encroachers.
Key specifics
- The protected areas named include Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve and Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary.
- A July 2025 interim report of the Central Empowered Committee said the Agasthyamalai ecological landscape covers 3,500.36 sq km.
- The Theni district magistrate’s report cited 4,601 encroachers occupying 5,072.653 hectares of reserved forest land.
- Only 1.8% of the total encroached forest land had been reclaimed so far, according to the report.
- The Court referred to Rule 3 of the Tamil Nadu Government Servants’ Conduct Rules, 1973, and asked for a plan within one month before the CEC.
Exam lens
MCQ focus: Agasthyamalai ecological landscape, CEC report, 3,500.36 sq km, 4,601 encroachers, Rule 3 of the Tamil Nadu Government Servants’ Conduct Rules, 1973. TNPSC may ask the protected areas named in the order and the one-month deadline before CEC.