Solaimalai @ Sivasolaimalai v. Chairman

WP(MD) No.7606 of 2017 WESTERN GHAT FOREST PROTECTION REMOVAL OF INVASIVE SPECIES N.SATHISH KUMAR, J.

AND D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.

Order Dated : 22.08.2022 This Writ Petition has been filed to restrain the Respondents from cultivating/planting Eucalyptus species the 1st Respondent filed additional counter affidavit, wherein it is stated that they have already planted 52,654.18 ha.of Eucalyptus. In such a view of the matter, a shorter period is allowed for growing the Eucalyptus. That apart there are plenty of Blue gum and Eucalyptus which are already decided to be removed by the Department. The concerned manufacturing industries viz., the Tamilandu Newsprint and papers Limited and M/s. Seshasayee Paper & Boards Ltd.,also can participate in the tender process for removal of Eucalyptus to meet out their requirements. Other than the area already planted no fresh plantation to be made in the new areas until further orders from this Court.

2. It is submitted by the learned Additional Advocate General planting Page 1 / 3

Eucalyptus will not cause any ecological degradation and they may be permitted to plant new Eucalyptus. At this stage we are not agreeing with the learned Additional Advocate General. When such need really arises the decision of revival of planting can be taken at later point of time. At present no fresh plantation is permitted.

3. With the above direction the Writ Petition is closed for the present. (N.S.K.,J.) (D.B.C.,J.) 22.08.2022 ggs Page 2 / 3

N.SATHISH KUMAR, J.

AND D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.

ggs 22.08.2022 Page 3 / 3