SC Orders Probe into Violations of Forest and Wildlife Laws in Tamil Nadu's Agasthyamalai Landscape

1. The Supreme Court has directed an investigation into the violations of forest and wildlife laws concerning encroachments in the Agasthyamalai Landscape in Tamil Nadu.
2. The case specifically addresses the encroachment of lands in the Singampatti Zamin forests, which were cleared for plantation cultivation, including tea, coffee, and rubber.
3. These lands were declared part of the Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Reserved Forest in 1978, and subsequently, a Core Critical Tiger Habitat in 2007, as well as a Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve in 2012. This designation led to the eviction of tea estate workers.

 

Map showing the Agasthyamalai landscape consisting of the Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) and adjoining areas and different vegetation types in the landscape. Inset map shows Western Ghats with the study area (KMTR) at the southern tip of India

Key Observations from the SC Order in the Case of A. John Kennedy v. State of Tamil Nadu & Others

1. Forests as Vital Ecosystems:
   1. The court emphasized that forests are the "lungs of the ecosystem," and their depletion has direct and severe consequences on climate change and biodiversity.
   2. It highlighted that approximately 13,000 sq. km of forest land in India is under encroachment (according to the Ministry of Environment).
2. Role of Tigers in Ecosystem Balance: The court referred to the landmark T.N. Godavarman case, stating that tigers are critical for maintaining the balance of ecosystems. It asserted, "The tiger perishes without the forest, and the forest perishes without its tigers."
3. Endorsement of an Ecocentric Approach: The Supreme Court endorsed the ecocentric approach (focusing on ecosystems rather than human-centered concerns) as outlined in the State of Telangana v. Mohd. Abdul Qasim case (2024).

Forest and Wildlife Protection Laws in India

1. Forest Classification: Under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, forests are classified into different categories, each with varying degrees of protection:

Type of Forest	Protection Level
Reserved Forest	Full protection; all activities prohibited unless permitted.
Protected Forest	Limited protection; all activities permitted unless prohibited.
Unclassed Forest	Areas recorded as forests but not categorized as reserved or protected; ownership status varies by state.

 

2. Forest Conservation Act, 1980: Any use of forest land for non-forestry purposes requires the prior approval of the Government of India.

3. Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: This Act lays down the framework for the protection of wildlife and establishes Tiger Reserves. These reserves are classified into:

1. Core or Critical Tiger Habitat: Areas where the habitat is preserved without disrupting the rights of scheduled tribes or other forest dwellers.
2. Buffer or Peripheral Area: Areas that allow limited human activity, promoting coexistence between wildlife and people.

About the Agasthyamalai Landscape

The Agasthyamalai Landscape spans across both Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It is an ecologically significant area known for its rich biodiversity. The landscape includes several important wildlife sanctuaries and reserves, such as:

1. Periyar Tiger Reserve
2. Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS)
3. Meghamalai WLS
4. Thirunelveli WLS

In addition to these reserves, the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve is a part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program. The landscape is also home to 14 rivers, including the Thamirabarani River.

The reserve includes several Wildlife Sanctuaries (WLS) and Tiger Reserves, such as:

1. Shendurney WLS, Peppara WLS, and Neyyar WLS in Kerala.
2. Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu.

The Supreme Court’s order to probe violations in the Agasthyamalai Landscape underscores the critical need for protecting forests and wildlife in India. This case highlights the importance of preserving ecosystems, ensuring the survival of species like tigers, and enforcing laws that safeguard natural habitats from encroachment and degradation. The landscape itself is of immense ecological value, and any threat to its integrity can have far-reaching consequences for biodiversity and environmental health.