Crisis in the Nilgiris: Demolition Orders for Illegal Resorts at Segur Spark Urgent Action and Concern

Coimbatore

Owners of Illegal Resorts in Segur Elephant Corridor Given 15 Days to Demolish Structures

The Nilgiris district administration has issued demolition notices to 35 illegally constructed resorts in the Segur Elephant Corridor within the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR). Resort owners were granted a 15-day period to dismantle or demolish their buildings, failing which, local authorities will undertake the task.

Sources from the district administration revealed that three additional resorts, separate from the 35 already under demolition orders, failed to appear before the Supreme Court-appointed Segur Elephant Corridor Inquiry Committee. If these owners do not comply within a specified timeframe, the committee will independently decide their fate.

Furthermore, the committee identified around 10 other commercial buildings operating illegally within the corridor, issuing orders for their demolition as well.

The Segur Elephant Corridor serves as a vital migratory route for Asian elephants, facilitating genetic diversity between populations in the Western and Eastern Ghats. Encroachments by these illegal resorts have disrupted this essential habitat, prompting the Supreme Court to command their closure and appoint an expert committee led by a retired judge to address the complaints from resort owners against the Nilgiris district administration.

In 2023, the committee firmly directed the government to proceed with the demolition of these unlawfully constructed resorts within the reserve.

Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/demolition-notices-issued-to-owners-of-illegal-resorts-at-segur-in-the-nilgiris/article68540344.ece
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