HC stays G.O. issued for removal of invasive, exotic species in Kodaikanal, petitioner complains of misuse of G.O. and native Shola species being destroyed

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Thursday granted a stay restraining the operation of a G.O. issued for removal of invasive and exotic species such as Wattle and Eucalyptus in Kodaikanal in Dindigul district. The petitioner complained the G.O. was misused and native Shola species were destroyed.

A Division Bench of Justices G. Jayachandran and K.K. Ramakrishnan was hearing a public interest litigation petition filed by Theeran Thirumurugan of Ramanathapuram district. The petitioner said Berijam forest area in Kodaikanal was a significant biodiversity zone featuring dense Shola forests, grasslands and the Berijam lake.

A large number of trees, including Shola species in Mannavanur North and Kavunchi beats under Mannavanur Range in Kodaikanal Forest Division were being felled and allegedly sold to timber merchants. On December 10, 2025, an inspection was conducted by Forest Department officials at Mannavanur road – Berijam lake. It was found that over 1,200 trees were felled. Four forest officials: Thiruniraiselvan, Amsaganapathi, Subash and Venkatraman were placed under suspension after preliminary inquiries, he said.

The G.O. was issued in 2025 for the removal of invasive and exotic species such as Wattle and Eucalyptus in Kodaikanal, strictly for the purpose of restoration of native Shola forests and grasslands. Permission granted under the G.O. was strictly limited to invasive Wattle species and does not permit felling of native Shola species or trees in ecological sensitive areas. The G.O. was misused and Native Shola trees were felled, he complained.

The State is duty-bound to prevent felling of trees. Providing a clean environment is the natural corollary of the right to life. Felling of trees could be prevented by way of stringent laws and the public should be conscious regarding the planting of saplings, he said and sought a probe by a Special Investigation Team into the issue. He said strict action should be taken against those involved. The court sought a report from the authorities and posted the matter for hearing to March 5.