The Supreme Court has directed the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to conduct an extensive survey of the entire tropical forest ecosystems of the Agasthyamalai landscape in the southernmost Western Ghats to identify non-forestry activities and encroachments.

Status of Forest Encroachments In India

• India has a forest cover of about 7,15,343 sq. km as per ‘India State of Forest Report 2023’, which is about 21.76% (approx.) of the total landmass of the country
• A recent report, submitted by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, in proceedings before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) indicates that almost 13000 sq. kms. area of forests is under encroachment.

About Agasthyamalai landscape

• The Agasthyamalai landscape is recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as a 3,500-km biosphere reserve falling within both Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
• Sanctuaries in the Reserve: The reserve includes three wildlife sanctuaries, Shendurney, Peppara and Nayar, as well as the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger reserve
• Flora and Fauna: Home to 2,254 species of higher plants and about 400 species endemic to the area.
  • A very rare and special herb/plant named ‘Arogyapacha’, famously known as ‘Plant of Eternal Health’, is a speciality of Agasthyamala.
  • ‘Neelakkurinjui‘ usually blooms once in a 12 years in this area
  • It is home to many endangered species of wild animals  like Lion-Tailed Macaques, Bengal Tiger, Nilgiri Marten, Nilgiri Tahr, Malabar Spiny Dormouse, Great Pied Hornbills, Gaur, and Sloth Bear.
• Indigenous Communities: It is inhabited by indigenous communities, notably the Kani tribe.

Survey of Agasthyamalai Tropical Forest Ecosystem

• Supreme Court Nature Of Order: It is an interim measure aimed at initiating restoration and protection of the pristine forest areas.
• Scope of CEC:
  • Identify non-forestry activities and encroachments.
  • Highlight violations of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
  • Assess forest degradation through comparative data (past vs. present forest cover).
• Key Areas Under Survey: The survey will cover major forest and wildlife areas within the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve: Periyar Tiger Reserve, Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary, Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary and Thirunelveli Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Key Observations by the Supreme Court: 
  • Forest depletion has severe environmental consequences including climate change, driven by: Rapid urbanisation, Unchecked industrialisation and Systematic encroachments.
  • The court stressed the scientific demarcation of core critical tiger habitats.