Supreme Court upholds removal of commercial activity from elephant corridor

Supreme Court upheld Madras HC order to remove all commercial activity from the Segur Plateau Elephant Corridor in Tamil Nadu's Western Ghats.

Chief Justice Surya Kant said, 'We will not allow elephant corridors to be encroached,' dismissing appeals by resort owners and commercial establishments.

The corridor is crucial for elephant movement between the Segur Plateau and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.

Tamil Nadu government informed the court that the area has been cleared of commercial occupation; acquiring alternative land for affected persons would cost around ₹1,300 crore.

The court allowed affected persons to seek alternative livelihood from the state government and permitted the state to approach the high court if difficulties arise in land acquisition.