SC: Conduct a survey to preserve TN forest area

The Supreme Court has taken a first step to preserve the pristine forests and wildlife in a crucial biodiversity hotspot in the Western Ghats, called the Agasthyamalai landscape, by directing the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to conduct an extensive survey to demarcate the forest boundaries and report on the non-forestry activities undertaken in these areas.

- Abraham Thomas

NEW DELHI:

A bench of justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta said, "Forests form the lungs of the ecosystem, and any depletion/destruction of forest areas has a direct impact on the entire environment," as it dealt with a petition filed by one A John Kennedy who sought preservation of reserve forests, wildlife sanctuaries and tiger reserves in the state of Tamil Nadu, besides other prayers.