Plea to prevent dumping of solid waste in wildlife sanctuaries, tiger reserves in TN

Madurai: Madras high court on Thursday ordered notice to the state on a plea seeking a direction to the authorities to prevent dumping of solid waste inside wildlife sanctuaries, tiger reserves and coastal ecosystems in the state.The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by M Karan of Sivaganga district.The petitioner stated that during his recent visit to Kodaikanal, he noticed that there was no inspection to check for plastic items in vehicles. He added that solid waste and food materials are being dumped over the roads. Similarly, inside the Kadavur Slender Loris Sanctuary, improper solid waste disposal is posing a critical threat to this fragile dryland ecosystem.

At Sorimuthu Ayyanar Temple inside the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, devotees are permitted to participate in Aadi Amavasai festival.

In 2024, the forest personnel, along with sanitary workers, removed 6.50 tonnes of garbage discarded by the devotees.He stated that plastic waste and municipal garbage are being dumped along the ecologically significant Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve and Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary in Ramanathapuram district, resulting in contamination of marine life and destruction of biodiversity.

The accumulation of waste along the Gulf of Mannar ecosystem causes toxic leachate and marine pollution, adversely affecting fish populations, sea grasses, coral reefs, migratory birds and the livelihood of coastal fishing communities, he stated.As per Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, forest areas and ecologically sensitive zones are treated as special protected areas, and all generators must enforce mandatory four-stream waste segregation (wet, dry, sanitary and special care).

The concerned local body authorities have the duty to install segregated bins at checkposts, prohibit open dumping and coordinate with local bodies for transportation and final disposal of residual waste.

As per Rule 5 of the Rules, open dumping of waste is prohibited. In case of non-compliance, the authorities shall impose Environmental Compensation based upon the Polluter Pays Principle under Rule 41(4) of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026.He stated that unless urgent intervention is undertaken by the authorities, the continued dumping of solid waste in forests, wildlife sanctuaries, bird sanctuaries, tiger reserves and coastal ecosystems will result in irreversible ecological damage, loss of biodiversity and destruction of natural habitats. Hence, the petitioner sought a direction to the authorities to prevent dumping of waste in sanctuaries by strictly implementing the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026.A division bench of Justice N Sathish Kumar and Justice M Jothiraman ordered notice to the state and posted the case for hearing before the forest bench on July 17.