Tamil Nadu strengthens forest protection with large-scale legal notification
TN notifies 100 blocks, reserved forest area increases by 135 sq km as the Tamil Nadu government expands legal protection for natural landscapes across the state. Over a four-year period, 100 land blocks with dense vegetation have been brought under statutory protection, adding nearly 135 square kilometres to the state’s safeguarded green cover and strengthening long-term ecological stability.
Following the latest notifications, the total area under statutory forest protection in the state has crossed 26,500 square kilometres. The newly included land covers close to 13,500 hectares and is spread across ten districts, showing a broad conservation effort rather than a region-specific initiative.
Legal notification brings strict safeguards. It limits non-forest activities, prevents illegal occupation, and ensures natural landscapes continue to support wildlife, water systems, and climate regulation.
Protected forest land spans ten districts
The notified forest areas are located in Dindigul, Dharmapuri, Madurai, Kallakurichi, Theni, Sivaganga, Namakkal, the Nilgiris, Salem, and Tenkasi. Dindigul accounts for the highest number of forest parcels, while districts such as Kallakurichi and Theni contribute large stretches of land.
A significant share of the newly secured area lies within the Megamalai–Srivilliputhur landscape in Theni district. This part of the southern Western Ghats is known for dense vegetation, rare plant species, and regular wildlife movement.
In the Nilgiris region, forest tracts located near existing conservation areas have now received permanent legal status. These tracts play a key role in maintaining ecological continuity and allowing animals to move safely between habitats.
Several of these lands had remained outside formal protection for decades due to unclear boundaries and unresolved survey issues. Recent field verification and settlement efforts helped address these problems, enabling the completion of long-pending cases.
Improved support for wildlife, water systems, and climate stability
Expanding legally protected land strengthens wildlife conservation by reducing habitat fragmentation and creating natural buffer zones. Landscapes such as Megamalai and the Nilgiris are especially important for elephants and other species that depend on connected forest regions.
Beyond wildlife, protected forests help safeguard water sources, regulate surface runoff, and prevent soil erosion. Healthy tree cover also plays a major role in absorbing carbon, improving climate resilience, and reducing the effects of extreme weather.
Each notification followed established procedures under state forest laws, including surveys and settlement of claims. This process ensures clarity of land boundaries and long-term protection from future development pressure.
Officials have indicated that more ecologically sensitive forest areas are being reviewed, suggesting that legal protection of forest land will continue in the coming years. Also Read : TN govt notifies 100 new reserve forests
Conclusion
The recent expansion of legally safeguarded forest land reflects Tamil Nadu’s steady focus on environmental conservation. By securing critical natural landscapes, the state is strengthening biodiversity protection, water security, and ecological balance for future generations.
