Supreme Court upholds removal of commercial activity from elephant corridor
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · IR
Why in news
The Supreme Court upheld a Madras High Court order directing removal of all commercial activities from the Segur Plateau Elephant Corridor in Tamil Nadu's Western Ghats. This judgment reinforces judicial protection of elephant corridors and balances conservation with livelihood concerns.
Background
The dispute originates from a 2011 Madras High Court order upholding the Tamil Nadu government's notification declaring the Segur Plateau Elephant Corridor. The corridor is crucial for elephant movement between the Segur Plateau and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. In September 2025, the Madras HC ordered removal of commercial establishments, leading to appeals by resort owners and businesses.
Key facts
Supreme Court bench led by CJI Surya Kant upheld Madras HC's September 2025 order removing commercial activity from the elephant corridor.
The court stated: 'We will not allow elephant corridors to be encroached.'
The corridor connects the Segur Plateau and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, vital for elephant movement.
Appeals by resort owners and commercial establishments were dismissed.
The court allowed affected persons to seek alternative livelihood from the Tamil Nadu government.
Tamil Nadu government informed the court that the area has been cleared of commercial occupation.
Acquiring alternative land poses challenges due to high costs (approx. ₹1,300 crore) and presence of tribal communities and forest dwellers.
The Supreme Court permitted the state to approach the high court if difficulties arise in land acquisition.
Petitioners argued that affected people include workers and small business operators of several decades.
The court rejected a request to defer the matter until acquisition is completed.
Prelims pointers
- Segur Plateau Elephant Corridor
- Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
- Western Ghats
- Madras High Court
- Supreme Court judgment July 2026
- CJI Surya Kant
- Elephant corridor protection
- Forest Rights Act
Mains angles
- GS3 Environment: Wildlife conservation vs. commercial development; importance of elephant corridors.
- GS2 Polity: Role of judiciary in environmental protection; balance between fundamental rights and ecological sustainability.
- GS3 Economy: Impact on tourism and local livelihoods; state's financial burden for land acquisition.
- GS2 Governance: Implementation of court orders; rehabilitation of affected persons.