Tamil Nadu begins eviction process at Megamalai Tiger Reserve

The Tamil Nadu government has initiated the process to evict encroachers from the Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve in Theni district, following orders from the Supreme Court and the central empowered committee (CEC). On Saturday, Theni district collector Dr R Vaithinathan issued an order forming a joint team of officials from the revenue survey, forest, and police departments to conduct a survey and demarcate the forest boundaries. According to sources, 118 families of government employees among the encroachers will be evicted on priority. The collector's order states that the survey and demarcation work must be completed by August 31, 2026, and no team member may take leave or remain absent without permission. The assistant director of survey is required to submit a daily report on the progress of the work.