Over 120 cases against illegal gold miners registered in Gudalur

The Gudalur Forest Division, in a press release, shared that 124 cases against illegal gold miners had been registered since January 2025.

According to officials, cases have been registered in Devala and Pandalur since last year, with 20 cases being registered in October 2025 and January 2026, the maximum cases in a single month over the period.

The Forest Department stated that they were clamping down on illegal gold miners in the region. They also disputed reports circulating online of illegal gold mining taking place within reserve forest boundaries.

“It has come to our notice that a news report is circulating claiming that illegal gold mining is done inside the forest area at Kaatimattam, Pandalur. In this regard, it is informed that during the past two years, 124 cases have been booked in Pandalur Range against various illegal activities in the region, particularly those related to gold extraction. Due to the stringent enforcement actions taken by the Forest Department, illegal activities taking place inside forest areas are controlled substantially, and complete protection is being ensured,” the Gudalur Forest Division said in a press release.

Recently, Revenue Department officials visited illegal gold mining areas in Pandalur, as there were reports that there has been a surge in the number of new illegal gold mines and miners due to the increase in gold prices. Over the years, a number of animals, including elephants have died after falling into the uncovered mines, some of which are hundreds of feet deep.

The Forest Department clarified that the locations inspected by the Revenue Department fall outside the reserve forest area. “Through the District Forest Officer, the issue of illegal gold mining in the region has already been taken up in District Law and Order Meetings, and a joint inspection has been instructed by the District Collector,” they said.