Why in News
The Supreme Court directed the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to conduct an extensive survey of the Agasthyamalai landscape.
The aim is to identify non-forestry activities and encroachments affecting forests and wildlife.
The judgment was based on petitions concerning forest preservation and the rehabilitation of evicted workers from the Singampatti tea estate.
Ecological Significance
Agasthyamalai is a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve, spanning Tamil Nadu and Kerala, with rich biodiversity.
It houses critical tiger habitats, wildlife sanctuaries, and tiger reserves, essential for ecosystem balance.
The area faces threats from deforestation due to urbanization, industrialization, and systematic encroachments.
Central Empowered Committee
It was set up in 2002 (reconstituted in 2008) by the Supreme Court.
It served as a watchdog for issues pertaining to environmental conservation and compliance.
It was set up to critically examine decisions made by the Ministry of Environment & Forest (MoEF) and its agencies and report independently to the SC.
Locations Mentioned
Agasthyamalai landscape, Tamil Nadu and Kerala
Periyar Tiger Reserve
Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary
Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary
Thirunelveli Wildlife Sanctuary
Singampatti, Tamil Nadu: The site of the former Bombay Burma Trading Corporation tea estate, now a reserved forest and wildlife sanctuary.
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