ORDER

Illegal Resorts in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve :

1. With regard to the illegal resorts in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, a status report has been filed today by the District Collector, Erode, wherein, it is stated that there are altogether 87 resort establishments within the area, however, none of the said establishments has obtained planning permission/building approval from the Directorate of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) for establishing or operating a resort establishment. Further, there is no record available to show that Hill Area Conservation Authority (HACA) permission has been obtained for conversion of land use from residential to commercial activities.

2. In such view of the matter, we are of the view that action has to be taken to immediately close down all the illegal buildings. Further action has to be taken for demolition of those buildings also.

3. It is stated that two establishments have approached this Court by way of writ petitions in W.P.No.19961 of 2026 and 19963 of 2026 and interim orders have been obtained from the other Division Bench of this Court. It is relevant to note that the matter relating to the illegal resorts in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is being heard by this Division Bench specially dealing with forest cases. Suppressing the pendency of the matter before this Division Bench and obtaining orders from a different Bench itself clearly indicates that those establishments have not approached the Court with clean hands. Therefore, in order to avoid conflict of orders, Registry is directed to tag those two writ petitions in W.P.No.19961 of 2026 and 19963 of 2026 along with this writ petition and list the same before this Court after obtaining necessary orders from the Hon’ble Chief Justice.

4. It is brought to the notice of this Court by the learned counsel for the petitioner that, even after closure, some resorts are still operating through backdoor. The resorts which are found to not have valid licences and permissions shall be proceeded against and shall be locked and sealed in accordance with law, followed by demolition action as per law.

5. For filing a status report as to the action taken, call on 27.11.2026.

(N.S.K., J.) (G.K.M., J.)

30.10.2026

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To

1. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, Department of Forests, Government of Tamil Nadu, No. 1, Jeenis Road, Panagal Buildings, Saidapet, Chennai - 600 015.

2. The Chief Conservator of Forests and Field Director, Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, Roja Nagar, Veerappanchathiram Post, Erode - 638 011.

3. The National Board of Wildlife, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, Jorbagh Road, New Delhi - 110 003.

4. The National Tiger Conservation Authority, B-1 Wing, 7th Floor, Pt. Deendayal Antyodaya Bhawan, CGO Complex, New Delhi - 110 003.

5. The Chairman, Tamil Nadu Hill Areas Conservation Authority (H.A.C.A), O/o. the Housing and Urban Development Department, Secretariat, St. George Fort, Chennai - 600 009.

6. The District Collector, Erode District, First Floor, Collectorate, Erode - 638 011.