On July 10, 2026, the southern bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued a decisive order to keep sealed resort structures within the Segur Plateau Elephant Corridor shut and to bar any fresh construction or commercial use. The corridor, a vital wildlife link connecting forests across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala, has long been a flashpoint for conservationists and developers alike.

Legal Context and Background

The corridor was first highlighted by a Supreme Court‑appointed inquiry committee in 2019, which recommended demolition of twelve resorts that were operating without proper clearances. Subsequent directives from the Supreme Court and the Segur Plateau Elephant Corridor Inquiry Committee have been partially stalled by ongoing writ petitions before a Special Bench of the Madras High Court. Recognising that the legality of the resorts is already under judicial review, the NGT refrained from adjudicating the demolition issue to avoid prejudicing the court process.

NGT’s Rationale

Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and expert member Prashant Gargava emphasized that the corridor is a critical ecological conduit for elephant herds moving between the Western Ghats of three states. Unauthorized constructions fragment this passage, heightening human‑elephant conflict and increasing mortality from electrocution, illegal fencing, and other anthropogenic hazards. Consequently, the tribunal ordered that all sealed buildings remain closed, prohibited any new building or commercial activity within the notified zone, and mandated continuous surveillance to ensure unobstructed elephant movement.

Implications for Conservation and Governance

According to the Nilgiris District Collector’s report, the Jungle Hut resort comprises nine structures—six with statutory approvals and three sealed since 2018 for lacking commercial permits. Although demolition notices were issued in August 2024, their enforcement has been on hold pending the court’s decision. The NGT’s directive now compels state authorities to conduct periodic inspections, remove barriers, and address illegal fencing, thereby reducing the risk of accidental elephant deaths.

Looking Ahead

Experts warn that without rigorous enforcement, the corridor could become a patchwork of illegal developments, undermining regional biodiversity and escalating human‑wildlife clashes. The tribunal’s order signals a firm stance that environmental safeguards must prevail over commercial interests, even amid complex litigation. Continued monitoring and community engagement will be essential to translate this legal mandate into tangible conservation outcomes.