Illegal resorts in the eco-sensitive zone of the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu have been locked and sealed after authorities found them operating without valid permissions. The matter came before the Madras High Court during hearing of a petition seeking action against unauthorised tourism and farmstay units in the protected area.
Inspection in Eco-Sensitive Zone
Officials inspected the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve region and identified 53 resorts and farmhouses within the eco-sensitive zone. Of these, 11 were found to be operating with valid permission. The remaining 42 units were found to be functioning without permission and were subsequently locked and sealed.
High Court Proceedings
The issue was placed before a division bench of the Madras High Court. The court was informed that action had been taken against the illegal units and that further steps were being initiated against the remaining resorts. The petitioner also stated that action had not yet been taken against some other establishments and filed an affidavit on the matter.
Further Action and Appeals
The bench granted three weeks to the authorities to take further action and submit a status report on the remaining resorts. It also directed that the appellate authority concerned should examine any appeals filed by the closed resorts against the lock-and-seal action.
Eco-Sensitive Zone Significance
Eco-sensitive zones are buffer areas around protected forests and wildlife habitats. They are meant to reduce pressure from construction, tourism, and commercial activity. In tiger reserve landscapes, such zones are important for habitat protection, wildlife movement, and limiting ecological disturbance.
Last Modified: April 29, 2026