The Supreme Court has directed the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to conduct a comprehensive survey of the Agasthyamalai landscape.
- Objective: Identify non-forestry activities and encroachments violating the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Survey Scope:
- Includes:
- Periyar Tiger Reserve
- Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary
- Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary
- Thirunelveli Wildlife Sanctuary
Agasthyamalai Landscape Highlights:
- Recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (3,500 km²).
- Spans across Tamil Nadu (Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari) and Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam).
- A tropical forest ecosystem and major biodiversity hotspot of the Western Ghats.
- Home to about 30,000 Kani tribe members from both states.
Protected Areas within the Reserve:
- Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
- Shendurney, Peppara, and Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuaries
(Source: TH & UNESCO)
