(Through Video Conferencing)

(A) Usage of Speed Boats / Mechanised Boats :

1. This matter relates to the use of speed boats and mechanised boats in Pykara Lake, Udhagamandalam.

2. When the matter was considered on the last occasion, a status report was filed on behalf of the respondents. This Court took note of the fact that Pykara Lake forms one of the uppermost reserves of the Nilgiris Biosphere, serving as a storage of pristine water and bordering the Mukurthi National Park. The area forms part of a highly eco-sensitive grassland ecosystem and is home to several species of flora and fauna.

3. The serenity of the area and the habitat of such flora and fauna appear to be seriously disturbed by the use of high-speed boats. The operation of such boats creates noise beyond tolerable levels and also results in possible leakage of petrol and diesel. It is reported that the water of the lake smells of petrol and diesel, apart from the emissions resulting from combustion. Such activities have the potential to seriously disturb the fragile ecological balance of the area.

4. When the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation was confronted through this petition as to why such activities should not be stopped, the Corporation sought to justify the same by filing a status report suggesting that nothing was amiss with the lake. It was even submitted that tourists are attracted to the place mainly on account of the Jet Ski boats. This Court had already observed that such a stand is purely anthropocentric. However, in order to afford an opportunity to the Corporation, this Court directed that an inspection be carried out by experts, including collection of samples of the water and silt, as well as scientific observation of the area.

5. In spite of the said order, the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation does not appear to have taken any steps to have the expert inspection carried out. Further, today also there is no representation on behalf of the Corporation before this Court.

6. Under these circumstances, the inspection as directed in the earlier order dated 13.02.2026 shall be carried out.

7. The Registry shall despatch a copy of this order to the learned District Judge, Udhagamandalam, Nilgiris District, who shall ensure service of the same on the Director, Central Soil and Water Conservation Research, Demonstration and Training Institute, Udhagamandalam, for the purpose of carrying out the task. Another copy shall also be despatched to the learned Principal District Judge, Coimbatore, for service on the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Coimbatore.

8. Both the learned Judges are requested to direct the appropriate personnel to serve the notice at the earliest. The notice shall also contain copies of the earlier orders passed by this Court. The Registry is directed to despatch this order along with the earlier orders so that the scope of the request made to the above authorities, namely, the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Coimbatore, to depute an Expert, and the Central Soil and Water Conservation Research, Demonstration and Training Institute, Udhagamandalam, is clearly understood. The learned Amici Curiae may also forward copies independently.

9. The inspection shall be conducted at the earliest and a report shall be filed before this Court.

10. In the meanwhile, there shall be an order of interim injunction restraining the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation from operating any motorised boats run on petrol or diesel in Pykara Lake.

11. Call this matter on 17.04.2026.

(B) Steel Wire Rope Fencing (Buffer Zone):-

Today, the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the State Government seeks further time, stating that the project was implemented as a pilot project to be replicated in other stretches.

2. Let a report be filed on behalf of the District Forest Officer at the earliest.

3. Call this matter on 27.03.2026.

(C) G-Square:-

1. Service is complete. Mr.K.Surender, learned counsel, has entered appearance on behalf of the 76th respondent / G-Square Realtors Private Limited and Mr.G.Gokul, learned counsel, has entered appearance on behalf of the 77th respondent / Rakindo Kovai Township Private Limited.

2. The learned counsels submit that they will place on record their stand with reference to the land in question by filing a written affidavit. It is further submitted that no activities are proposed within the buffer zone.

3. Let the affidavit be filed before this Court.

4. Call on 27.03.2026.

(D) Solid Waste Management in Tiruppur District: -

               When the matter came up for hearing, the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the State submitted that, pursuant to the directions of the learned Single Judge in the connected matter, steps are being taken. It is further submitted that dumping at the quarry in question is no longer taking place. A temporary dumping yard has been established and the authorities are in the process of creating further facilities for the proper treatment and disposal of solid waste.

2. Let further steps be taken in that regard and a status report indicating the steps taken be filed before this Court.

3. Call this matter on 05.06.2026.