Therefore, the Commissioner, HR & CE Department, No.19, Uthamar Gandi Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai – 600 034, is suo motu impleaded as party respondent to these petitions in W.M.P.Nos.23023 of 2025 & 24519 of 2025 in W.P.No.27356 of 2019. Print the name of Mr.N.R.R.Arun Natarjan, learned Special Government Pleader (HR & CE), for the newly impleaded respondent. The Party-in-Person is directed to serve a set of papers to Mr.N.R.R.Arun Natarajan, learned Special Government Pleader. 36.Call on 10.10.2025. (G) G-Square (W.M.P.No.24518 of 2025 in W.P.No.27356 of 2019) 37.Dr.T.Seenivasan, learned Special Government Pleader, takes notice for the official respondents and seeks time to get instructions. 38.Call on 10.10.2025. (N.S.K., J.) (D.B.C., J.) 12.09.2025 dhk/mkn To 1.Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, Department of Forests, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, No.1 Jeenis Road, Panagal Buildings, Saidapet, Chennai-600 015 2.District Collector Coimbatore District, Gopalpuram, Coimbatore-6410108 3.Principal Secretary / Chairman Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, No.76, Mount Salai, Guindy, Chennai- 600 032 4.The Commissioner Department of Geology and Mining Thiru.Vi.Ka.Industrial Estate, Alandur Road, Guindy, Chennai-600 002 5.Government of India Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Indira Paryavaran Bhavan, JOrbagh Road, New Delhi-110 003 6.The Superintending Engineer (coimbatore North), Tamilnadu Generation and Distribution Limited (TANGEDCO), Tatabad, Coimbatore. (R8 SUO MOTU IMPLEADED VIDE ORDER DT 19.01.2023 MADE IN WP.27356/2019 BY NSKJ, DBCJ) 7.The Commissioner, Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation, Coimbatore District. 8.The Commissioner, HR & CE Department, No.19, Uthamar Gandi Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai – 600 034.   ANNEXURE N.SATHISH KUMAR, J. AND D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J. dhk/mkn WP NO. 27356 of 2019 12.09.2025

WP NO. 27356 of 2019
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 12-09-2025
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE N. SATHISH KUMAR AND THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY
WP NO. 27356 of 2019
AND WMP NO. 42114 OF 2024,WMP NO. 37000 OF 2024,WMP NO. 42082 OF
2024,WMP NO. 42113 OF 2024, WMP NO. 36994 OF 2024,WMP NO. 31591 OF
2023,WMP NO. 35572 OF 2024, WMP NO. 42116 OF 2024,WMP NO. 42115 OF
2024,WMP NO. 23023 OF 2025, WMP NO. 24519 OF 2025,WMP NO. 24518 OF
2025, WMP 31270 of 2025
WP NO. 27356 of 2019
Mr. S.Muralidharan
S/o.Mr.P.Sivalingam, 2A, 3rd Main Road, Kottur Gardens, Chennai-600 085
Petitioner(s) Vs
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and
Chief Wildlife Warden, Department of Forests, Govt. of
Tamil Nadu, No.1 Jeenis Road, Panagal Buildings, Saidapet,
Chennai-600 015 and 67 Others
Respondent(s)
WMP.No.31270 of 2025
Meruku Thodarachimalai Aviviruthi Thitta Thodamuthur
Nerpidipu
Paguthi Vivasayigal Sangam Rep By Secretary P.R.
Sundarasami Parameswaran Palyam Devarayapuram (po)
Coimbatore 641 109 and 4 Others
Petitioner(s) Vs
S.Muralidharan
S/o.Mr.P.Sivalingam, 2A, 3rd Main Road, Kottur Gardens,
Chennai-600 085 and 68 Others
Respondent(s)
WMP NO. 42114 of 2024
M.Siva,
S/o.Late V.Mani, No.168, Karupparayan Kovil Street, Puliyakulam,Coimbatore 641 045.
Petitioner(s) Vs
Mr. S.Muralidharan (p-in-p)
S/o.Mr.P.Sivalingam, 2A, 3rd Main Road, Kottur Gardens,
Chennai-600 085 and 65 Others
Respondent(s)
WMP NO. 37000 of 2024
S.Muralidharan
S/o.Mr.P.Sivalingam, 2A, 3rd Main Road, Kottur Gardens, Chennai-600 085.
Petitioner(s) Vs
Principal Chief Conservator Of Forests And
Chief Wildlife Warden, Department of Forests, Govt. Of
Tamil Nadu, No.1 Jeenis Road, Panagal Buildings, Saidapet,
Chennai-600 015 and 64 Others
Respondent(s)
WMP NO. 42082 of 2024
M.Siva,
S/o.Late V.Mani, No.168, Karupparayan Kovil Street, Puliyakulam,Coimbatore 641 045.
Petitioner(s) Vs
Mr. S.Muralidharan (p-in-p)
S/o.Mr.P.Sivalingam, 2A, 3rd Main Road, Kottur Gardens,
Chennai-600 085 and 65 Others
Respondent(s)
WMP NO. 42113 of 2024
M.Siva,
S/o.Late V.Mani, No.168, Karupparayan Kovil Street, Puliyakulam,Coimbatore 641 045.
Petitioner(s) Vs
Mr. S.Muralidharan (p-in-p)
S/o.Mr.P.Sivalingam, 2A, 3rd Main Road, Kottur Gardens,
Chennai-600 085 and 65 Others
Respondent(s)
WMP NO. 36994 of 2024
S.Muralidharan
S/o.Mr.P.Sivalingam, 2A, 3rd Main Road, Kottur Gardens, Chennai-600 085.
Petitioner(s) Vs
Principal Chief Conservator Of Forests And
Chief Wildlife Warden, Department Of Forests, Govt. Of
Tamil Nadu, No.1 Jeenis Road, Panagal Buildings, Saidapet,
Chennai-600 015 and 64 Others
Respondent(s)
WMP NO. 31591 of 2023
Mr. S.Muralidharan
S/o.Mr.P.Sivalingam, 2a, 3rd Main Road, Kottur Gardens,
Chennai-600 085 Currently Residing At F1, 1st Floor, No.40 R.S.Sridhar Street, Kottur, Kotturpuram, Chennai 600085.
Petitioner(s) Vs
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and
Chief Wildlife Warden, Department Of Forests, Govt. Of
Tamil Nadu, No.1 Jeenis Road, Panagal Buildings, Saidapet,
Chennai-600 015 and 7 Others
Respondent(s)
WMP NO. 35572 of 2024
Mr. S.Muralidharan
S/o Mr.P.Sivalingam, 2A, 3rd Main Road, Kottur Gardens, Chennai 600085
Petitioner(s) Vs
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and
Chief Wildlife Warden, Department of Forests, Govt. of
Tamil Nadu, No.1 Jeenis Road, Panagal Buildings, Saidapet,
Chennai-600 015 and 65 Others
Respondent(s)
WMP NO. 42116 of 2024
M.Siva,
S/o.Late V.Mani, No.168, Karupparayan Kovil Street, Puliyakulam,Coimbatore 641 045.
Petitioner(s) Vs
Mr. S.Muralidharan (p-in-p)
S/o.Mr.P.Sivalingam, 2A, 3rd Main Road, Kottur Gardens,
Chennai-600 085 and 65 Others
Respondent(s)
WMP NO. 42115 of 2024
M.Siva,
S/o.Late V.Mani, No.168, Karupparayan Kovil Street, Puliyakulam,Coimbatore 641 045.
Petitioner(s) Vs
Mr. S.Muralidharan (p-in-p)
S/o.Mr.P.Sivalingam, 2A, 3rd Main Road, Kottur Gardens,
Chennai-600 085 and 65 Others
Respondent(s)
WMP NO. 23023 of 2025
Mr. S.Muralidharan
S/o.Mr.P.Sivalingam, 2A, 3rd Main Road, Kottur Gardens, Chennai-600 085
Petitioner(s) Vs
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and
Chief Wildlife Warden, Department of Forests, Govt. of
Tamil Nadu, No.1 Jeenis Road, Panagal Buildings, Saidapet,
Chennai-600 015 and 65 Others
Respondent(s)
WMP NO. 24519 of 2025
Mr. S.Muralidharan
S/o.Mr.P.Sivalingam, 2A, 3rd Main Road, Kottur Gardens, Chennai-600 085
Petitioner(s) Vs
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and
Chief Wildlife Warden, Department of Forests, Govt. of
Tamil Nadu, No.1 Jeenis Road, Panagal Buildings, Saidapet,
Chennai-600 015 and 65 Others
Respondent(s)
WMP NO. 24518 of 2025
Mr. S.Muralidharan
S/o.Mr.P.Sivalingam, 2A, 3rd Main Road, Kottur Gardens, Chennai-600 085
Petitioner(s) Vs
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and
Chief Wildlife Warden, Department of Forests, Govt. of
Tamil Nadu, No.1 Jeenis Road, Panagal Buildings, Saidapet,
Chennai-600 015 and 65 Others
Respondent(s)
In W.P.No.27356 of 2019
For Petitioner : Mr.S.Muralidharan, Party-in-person
For Respondents : Dr.T.Seenivasan, Special Government Pleader (Forest), for R1, 3 to 5
: R2 deleted vide order, dated 09.01.2021 made in W.M.P.No.4685 of 2021 in
W.P.No.27356 of 2019
: Mr.B.N.Suchindran,
Standing Counsel for R4
: Mr.V.Chandrasekaran, Senior Panel Counsel for R6
: Mr.S.P.Chockalingam, for R7
: Mr.L. Jaivenkatesh, Standing Counsel for R8
: Mr. Richardson Wilson, for R 9 to 11, 16 to 45
: RR – 12 to 15 – No Appearance : Mr.N.Muralikumaran, Senior Counsel, for M/s.MCGAN Law Firm, for R 46 to 49 : Mr.L.Palanimuthu, for RR – 50 to 64
Mr.M.Purushothaman, for R 65 and 66 Mr.R.Sankaranarayanan, Senior Counsel for Mr.Ramasamy Meiyyappan for R67
: Mr.K.M.D.Muhilan, Additional Public Prosecutor
In W.M.P.No.31270 of 2025 :
For Petitioner : Mr.V.Jayaprakash Narayanan
For Respondents : Mr.S.Muralidharan (Party-in-Person) for R1
: Dr.T.Seenivasan, Special Government Pleader for RR2 to 4, R6
: Dr.B.N.Suchindran for R5
: Mr.V.Chandrasekaran, Senior Panel Counsel for R7
: Mr.L.Jaivenkatesh, Standing Counsel for R9
: Mr.S.P.Chockalingam for R8
: Mr.Richardson Wilson for RR10 to 12, RR17 to 46
: Mr.N.Muralikumaran, Senior Counsel for M/s.McGan Law Firm for RR47 to 50 : Mr.L.Palanimuthu for RR51 to 65
: Mr.M.Purushothaman for RR66 and 67 : Mr.Ramasamy Meiyappan for R68
Amici Curiae
1. Mr.C.Mohan, Advocate
2. Mr.T.Mohan, Senior Advocate
3. Mr.M.Santhanaraman, Advocate
4. Mr.Rahul Balaji, Advocate
ORDER
W.M.P.No.31270 of 2025 :
WMP.No.31270 of 2025 has been filed to implead the petitioners as proposed respondents in the above writ petition. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, this petition is ordered accordingly. The Registry is directed to carry out the necessary amendments in the cause-title.
(A) STEEL WIRE ROPE FENCING AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES RELATING TO ELEPHANT PROTECTION
(W.M.P.No.35572 of 2024, W.M.P.Nos.42082, 42113, 42114,
42115 & 42116 of 2024 in W.P.No.27356 of 2019)
Buffer Zone
2. This matter relates to the project of the Government proposing to install steel wire rope fencing to an extent of about 10 kilometers with an idea of reducing the mananimal conflict and protecting both the elephants as well as the humans morespecifically the farmers and the crops.
3. Mr.Muralidharan, Party-in-Person had filed this petition objecting to this move, his contention is that any form of fencing including the steel wire or railing which obstructs the path of the elephants will be dangerous to the elephants in the sense that the elephants will not go away, they will try and meddle and interfere with this fencing, more the restriction, more they will get aggravated and whether it is fencing by railing or by steel wire rope, there is a chance of elephants getting hurt and getting injured on account of this fencing. It was also his contention that it will hamper the free movement of the elepants.
4. Upon the said case being presented, we had also granted an interim order. Subsequently, we heard the matter and inspection was also done. Firstly, upon our inspection, we found that the place where, as a pilot now the fencing is proposed to be erected situated within 11.021009 N 76.782243E co-ordinates of Attukkal, Kembanur, Dhaliyur, Vandikaranoor, Kuppepalaiyam, Devarayapuram villages. The map is annexed as the Annexure 1 to this Order. It can be seen that the place is a crucial juncture with several human-animal conflict reported in the past. The elephants from the Walayar side also climb up the hillock and once they climb up, this lush green field attracts their vision and they forget their regular path and they stray and become crop raiders. Since the area is also thickly populated, there is huge man-elephant conflicts and there are instances of elephants straying upto 4 kilometers outside their traditional corridors en route to Bhavanisagar, several instances of death had also happened.
5. Under these circumstances, the presentation was made on behalf of the Forest Department. It is stated that the entire boundary of the reserve forest is located well after the steepy slopes and there is enough space for the elephants to maneuver and tread along their path freely. In majority of the area, it is minimum of 500 meters.
6. Secondly, they submit that the fence will also be helpful to confine them to their regular routes as they all foray into these area in pursuit of their reaching the Bhavanisagar Dam. It is further stated that the tensile strength has been tested and once in 200 meters, this pillars will be erected, the depth is scientifically measured and the pillars are erected through angers causing minimum disturbance to the forest. The pillars will be of such depth that it will not break away when it is attacked by the elephants. The design is made by putting in continuous research. The number of ropes, the quality of ropes, the tensile strength of the ropes and the pipes joining the ropes etc., were determined after much testing. It has also been put into use in the Hosur Division and it is working well.
7. Some videos of the elephants attempting to breach the fence and thereafter retracting without any injury is also shown to us. During our visit, huge number of farmers also turned out and they all unanimously prayed that fencing should be put up in order to protect their lives and also their crops. A few of them were further insistent upon the kind of the fencing. They insisted that the fencing should be made by strong railings. They submitted that the unused/worn out railings from the Railway Department can be used in that regard. Per contra, the officials of the Forest Department showed us the videos of where these railings are installed in Wayanad area and also in some parts of Karnataka. Some of the elephants were caught entangled in between them and some of the railings were also broken by them. It is stated that in order to avoid the elephants from getting entangled, there must be further railings of V-shape also. Unless, it is of 8 feet height, the elephants tend to cross it and thereby would get injured themselves and it may result in death also and as a a matter of fact, the case of death of elephants was also demonstrated to us. Therefore, if that kind of railing fence have to be adopted, it has to be adopted over 8 feet height and v-shape railing which would cost about 5 to 10 times more than the present cost which is about Rs.55 lakhs per kilometer. It is stated the rail fencing, if it is to be done more than 8 feet height with v-shaped railings, it may cost even more than Rs.4 crores per kilometer.
8. Under these circumstances, when the Forest Department demonstrates before us that after putting in due research over a period of time, they have evolved the present kind of fencing which involves a 200 hundred meters breakdown also and whenever the animals stray on the other side and there is also provision to open it at every 200 meters width and drive the animals back inside the area also, we feel that of the available solutions, the safest method is the new fencing that is proposed by the Forest Department. Upon our inspection, we also found that this will help in guiding the animals also within their path. It is a win-win situation both for safeguarding the reserve forest/animals and also the crops and the human life. There is enough space for the elephants to maneuver and in the entire 10 kilometers stretch, there are no invasives and whatever the flora present are said to be fodder for the elephants. We are of the view that it will not adversely affect the movement of the elephants and it will not cause any harm to them. In any event, it is to be kept in mind that this is a pilot project and continuous monitoring can be done and how far this pilot project of fencing works successfully will be monitered by this Court continuously and if any harm is caused or any other mishap is happening appropriate directions will be issued.
9. Under the said circumstances, we are of the view that in the best interest of elephant corridor itself and in the best interest of the other wildlife and forest and also in the best interest of the farmers and the human life, the present proposal can be permitted to be carried out. The same shall be carried out as demonstrated to the Court and as contained in the Annexure 1 on the boundary of the reserve forest area. It was also proposed that apart from the fencing the Forest Department can simultaneously think of bio-fencing abutting the fencing. They have to come up with the appropriate proposal so that the bio-fencing itself developed and the elephants in the course of time dont even go near the steel fencing. In the subsequent hearings, the Forest Department can place on record as to their proposal as to how they propose to erect the bio-fencing. The bio-fencing can be on either side of the fencing also. Even the farmers who are abutting the fencing can also be encouraged to do the same. Under the said circumstances, the interim order granted by this Court shall stand vacated. The respondent/Forest Department is free to carry out the work. It is made clear that any further proposals to fence any further area will be done only after the prior approval of this Court.
10. In order to gauge the success of this pilot project, thermal cameras or Artificial Intelligence enabled cameras can be installed along the 10 kilometers stretch so that the behaviour of the elephants and wildlife can be watched and it can be documented which will be useful for future developments.
11. While dealing with the above case relating to the clearance of the fencing of
10 kilometers area along the reserve forest boundary in Boluvampatti Village in Thondamuthur Block by making the presentation and also in our inspection, it was brought to our notice that the District shares a total boundary of 320 kilometers with the reserve forests. The learned Amici curiae also filed a memo in respect thereof. The entire 320 kilometers stretch is a ecologically fragile area being the part of the corridor and very rich in wild life. Equally, the area adjoining is buzzing with agricultural activities and human are attempting to get more and more closer to the reserve forest boundary with their other activities, including commercial. It can be seen that during the power point presentation, the District Collector and District Forest Officer explained that the 320 km of forest boundary Coimbatore City shares along with the foothills of the Western Ghats does not fall within the Coimbatore City Master Plan.
12. It can be seen that there is a huge demand for land conversion in these area to facilitate urbanization and commercial development. Even some of the developmental activities of the State is also proposed to be located in these areas which are abutting the forest boundary. Such developmental activities bound to create huge pressure on the wild life and man-animal conflict will multiply manifold. In any event, the very presence of new developments other than the traditional forest dwellers near this ecologically fragile area would extinguish the very little area left to the poor creatures. There is enough area for the Coimbatore City and its sub-urban to develop in the other sides while this is the only stretch where millions of flora and fauna flourish and they don’t have any other place. This has to be considered by the Government. Even though these areas are notified under the Hill Area Conservation Authority (HACA), it is seen that permissions continued to be granted for development including for commercial constructions adjoining the Reserve Forests and that would run counter to all the conservancy efforts that are taken by the Government by spending huge tax payers money. Therefore, it is prima facie seen that it is imperative to earmark and preserve the buffer zone between the reserve forest boundary and development zones. The rest of the flora and fauna and the bio-diversity have to be saved. To mitigate the human-animal conflicts and more importantly to save human life, the creation of buffer zone is extremely crucial. In this regard, the learned amici curiae have given the following suggestions:-
“1.The District Administration, in coordination with the Forest Department, shall conduct a detailed survey to identify areas along the Reserve Forest boundary in Coimbatore District, situated in the fothills of the Western Ghats, that are required to be notified as “No Development Zone”.
2. Additionally, the officials may be directed to come up with cropping patterns for agricultural lands along the foothills that discourage elephants straying and other mitigation measures to minimize the occurrence of human-animal conflicts.
13. Even where the lands are cultivated, we saw invariably a farm house in every
piece of land and the Boards mentioning the farm stay is available. Once the tourist are going to occupy these farm stay, they tend to disturb the very nocturnal environment by having camp-fire, having loudspeaker etc., and the very habitat of the wildlife will be lost.
14. The buffer zone as such, can be created by the State of Tamilnadu and the local bodies by exercise of the powers under the state legistations and under the development control rules. As a matter of fact, the State is already aware of this malady and even in the Revenue Standing Orders and the decisions made there in, it had already created a ban on assignments of lands in these buffer areas.
15. The central government can also create the same in exercise of its powers under the Environment Protection Act, 1985. As a matter of the fact, already the guidelines for creation of buffer zones around these sensitive areas like national parks, sanctuaries are in place. Directions are also given by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in Godavarman Thirumalpad -Vs- Union of India (2022 10 SCC 544) emphasising the need for buffer zones.
16. Let the State and Central Government come up with their response and its proposal and file a report in this regard.
Illegal quarry
17. The learned amici curiae have also filed a memo, wherein, it is brought to thenotice of this Court that the quarrying activities were conducted in blatant violations of the applicable rules and regulations, the Revenue and Forest Department shall immediately undertake a comprehensive survey of the affected areas and initiate remedial measures on a war footing. In this regard, even during our inspection, still the surveying itself is underway, the plan of action was presented by the District Collector. The following was presented before us:-
PLAN OF ACTION
Each surveyor can measure 142 meters to 158 meters per day depending upon the network coverage range, slopes and the prevailing climatic situations.
Requirement Present Shortfall Work Summary
No of L.S (10) 10 –
No of DGPS required
(10) 2 8
Field Assistants 0 10
WORK CALCULATION DATA
No. of Kms/Day -150 Mtrs
Total Kms Covered/Day 150*10 – 1.5 kms
Area to be surveyed 101.67 Kms – 101.67 Kms/1.5 kms
68 Working days
(14 weeks)
FUND REQUIRMENT FOR THE EXERCISE
Description Remuneration/per son or instrument Counts Remuneration*
Counts* in
months Total Estimate (in lakhs)
Licensed Surveyor 23,000 10 23000*10*3 6.90
Field Assistants 15,000 10 15000*10*3 4.50
DGPS Instruments 15,00,000 10 150.0
Extra two DGPS (for Radio Mode/PPP Mode) required for no network coverage areas for connectivity 30.0
Data Cardfor
access and readings 1110* 10 1110*10*3 0.33
Vehicle hiring and fuel expenses 41,500 5 (one vehicle for two teams) 5*41,500*3 6.23
18. Therefore, it can be seen that they are in need of DGPS equipments and also additional surveyors and additional funds. In this regard, the learned Special
Government Pleader is directed to get the response of the Directorate of Survey and Settlement as to when this additional equipment/funds will be given so that the survey can be carried out as another 101.67 kms of hilly terrains have to be surveyed. It is to be noted that without waiting for the further orders, the Departments concerned shall forthwith provide funds/equipments and additional surveyors, if necessary so that the work can be carried out also in the meanwhile.
19. Call on 10.10.2025 for filing of status report.
20. It is also brought to our notice by filing a newspaper report that many of the Panchayats are using either the forest areas or the areas adjacent to the forest site as they are dumping site for dumping sold wastes more importantly they are using the pits that are created by illegal mining to dump their solid waste and are closing the same. Any solid waste dumping site should be scientifically made in consonance with the Rules. Secondly, the forest area or the area adjoining the forest area cannot be used as dumping area or storage area as it will attract the wildlife such as wild boars etc., which will again result in man-animal conflict. Further, the solid waste have to be strictly dealt with as per the rules and the dumping sites have to be built by taking into consideration of the relevant criteria. In this regard, let the Special Government Pleader get instructions and file a status report.
21. Call on 10.10.2025.
(B) MATA AMRITANANDAMAYI MATH
22. With reference to the inspection of the Matha Amirthanandamayi Institutions, the learned amici curiae have filed a memo. They have also pointed out suggestions to conduct LiDAR survey in the area adjoining the Reserve forest, thereby clearing the bottlenecks and also certain things to be done by the Institution.
23. The learned counsel on behalf of the Institution would submit that they will come up with the instructions. In the meanwhile, if agreeable by the Institution as well as the Forest Department, such steps shall also be taken by them and it can be reported on the next hearing date. The learned Special Government Pleader by placing on record the communication dated 11.09.2025 would submit that the District Forest Officer
along with the learned amici curiae has inspected the
S.Nos.10,13,20,22,28,29,34,39/1B,39/11B2,41,44,57,91/2,97,100/1,111,371/1,367/2,37
0/2 belong to Matha Amirthanandamayi Math, Amrita Viswa Vidya Peetham, Ettimadai Village, Coimbatore on 06.09.2025 and it was found that S.No.41 is the only survey number situated close to Reserve Forest and other survey numbers are at least 200 meter away from the Reserve Forest. It is stated that the Forest Range Officer, Madukarai has been directed to collect the details of the other survey numbers which are located close to Reserve Forests, Survey sketch and conditions imposed by various departments while granting permission to the Institution on 08.09.2025. Once the details are collected based on field condition along with learned amici report, the matter will be examined and suggestions will be submitted before this Court and prayed for 30 days time.
24. In view thereof, call on 17.10.2025. In the meanwhile, the survey can also happen, the institution can also consider the suggestions that are placed by the learned amici curiae and if anything has to carried out can also be carried out.
25. It is seen that earlier we has impleaded one P.Vijayakumar as 68th respondent by order dated 27.06.2025. Though 67th respondent namely Mata Amritanandamayi Math have appeared before us., the 68th respondent has not appeared before us. There is no record to indicate that notice has been served on him.
26. Issue fresh notice to the 68th respondent, returnable by 17.10.2025. Private notice is also permitted.
27. Call this matter on 17.10.2025.
(C) Removal of Prosopis Juliflora in Thadagam Valley (W.M.P.No.31591 of 2023 in W.P.No.27356 of 2019)
28.With reference to the removal of prosopis juliflora in Thadagam valley, the learned Special Government Pleader submits that due proposals will come with respect to the Thadagam valley also, while the matter with reference to the rest of Tamil Nadu is to be reported before this Court on 19.09.2025.
29.Call on 19.09.2025.
(D) Trek Tamil Nadu Initiative
(W.M.P.No.36994 of 2024 in W.P.No.27356 of 2019)
30.A counter affidavit has been filed, wherein, it is stated by the Government that though 119 trek routes have been approved by order dated 05.06.2024 in proceedings No.WL4/28602/2023, it is the stand of the Government that only 32 trek routes have been used now, which have been indicated in Page No.33 of the Typed Set of Papers. On perusal of Page No.33 of the Typed Set of Papers, we are of the view that, even out of 32 places earmarked, some places have to be revisited. Allowing the public to some places, for example Sl.Nos.2, 3 and 13 which are elephants infested, and taking the persons to that area may cause inherent risk. This factor may also be taken note of by the Government. As stated by the Government, though 119 places have been earmarked, the trekking shall be restricted only to the places earmarked in Page No.33 of the Typed Set of Papers, that too, after revisiting the three places we have indicated above. In this regard, the learned Special Government Pleader is directed to get necessary instructions and file a report on the next date of hearing. The learned Amici Curiae shall also file a response to the petition.
31.Call on 10.10.2025.
(E) Removal of Solar Panels in Ukkadam and Valankulam Lakes
(W.M.P.No.37000 of 2024 in W.P.No.27356 of 2019)
32.After hearing the learned counsel on either side, we are of the view that the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation is a necessary party to this petition.
Accordingly, the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation, represented by its Commissioner, Coimbatore District, is suo motu impleaded as 69th respondent in W.M.P.No.37000 of 2024 in W.P.No.27356 of 2019. Mr.K.M.D.Muhilan, learned Additional Public Prosecutor, takes notice for the newly impleaded respondent and seeks time to get instructions.
33.Today, the learned Special Government Pleader also placed on record the communication from the District Collectorate regarding the activities that are conducted. Let a counter affidavit be filed so that the petitioner will also have an opportunity to file a reply. The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation shall also file a counter affidavit on the next date of hearing.
34.Call on 10.10.2025.
(F) Marudamalai Temple & Anuvavi Temple
(W.M.P.Nos.23023 of 2025 & 24519 of 2025 in W.P.No.27356 of 2019)
35.Considering the nature of dispute that is raised in these petitions, the HR & CE Department is also a necessary party to be heard. Therefore, the Commissioner,
HR & CE Department, No.19, Uthamar Gandi Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai – 600 034, is suo motu impleaded as party respondent to these petitions in W.M.P.Nos.23023 of 2025 & 24519 of 2025 in W.P.No.27356 of 2019. Print the name of Mr.N.R.R.Arun Natarjan, learned Special Government Pleader (HR & CE), for the newly impleaded respondent. The Party-in-Person is directed to serve a set of papers to Mr.N.R.R.Arun Natarajan, learned Special Government Pleader.
36.Call on 10.10.2025.
(G) G-Square (W.M.P.No.24518 of 2025 in W.P.No.27356 of 2019)
37.Dr.T.Seenivasan, learned Special Government Pleader, takes notice for the official respondents and seeks time to get instructions.
38.Call on 10.10.2025.
(N.S.K., J.) (D.B.C., J.)
12.09.2025
dhk/mkn
To
1.Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and
Chief Wildlife Warden, Department of
Forests, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, No.1 Jeenis
Road, Panagal Buildings, Saidapet,
Chennai-600 015
2.District Collector
Coimbatore District, Gopalpuram, Coimbatore-6410108
3.Principal Secretary / Chairman
Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board,
No.76, Mount Salai, Guindy, Chennai- 600
032
4.The Commissioner
Department of Geology and Mining
Thiru.Vi.Ka.Industrial Estate, Alandur
Road, Guindy, Chennai-600 002
5.Government of India
Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change, Indira Paryavaran Bhavan, JOrbagh Road, New Delhi-110 003
6.The Superintending Engineer (coimbatore North),
Tamilnadu Generation and Distribution
Limited (TANGEDCO), Tatabad,
Coimbatore. (R8 SUO MOTU
IMPLEADED VIDE ORDER DT
19.01.2023 MADE IN WP.27356/2019 BY NSKJ, DBCJ)
7.The Commissioner,
Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation, Coimbatore District.
8.The Commissioner,
HR & CE Department,
No.19, Uthamar Gandi Salai,
Nungambakkam, Chennai – 600 034.
 
ANNEXURE

N.SATHISH KUMAR, J.
AND
D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.
dhk/mkn
WP NO. 27356 of 2019
12.09.2025