SC asks Tamil Nadu govt to act against forest encroachments, fine 118 babus for

The Supreme Court has given the Tamil Nadu government a strict deadline to devise a plan to remove illegal settlers from the Agasthyamalai forest reserve, a critical biodiversity hotspot. The court also ordered disciplinary actions against 118 government officials found to be complicit in land encroachment, emphasizing accountability. This move underscores the court's commitment to preserving India's ecological heritage and highlights the need for stringent enforcement against those who undermine environmental protection.