The Madras High Court in the case M Saravanan v. Principal Secretary and others observed that the state government should show seriousness in removing invasive plant species from forests.
The Special bench comprising of Justice N Satish Kumar and Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy were hearing a batch of cases regarding protection of the western ghats area.
In the present case, the state had informed the court that the files regarding removal of invasive species were under consideration and had been sent to the Finance department for concurrence.
The Court orally observed that the state had to show more seriousness in dealing with such issues.
The Court stated if seriousness is not shown, entire forest will be gone. Invasive species affect the growth of ingenious species. Also, the court have indicated in earlier orders that for removal of lantena and other invasive species, MGNREGA funds could be used. Therefore, the court is of the view that there will not be any difficulty for removing lantana.
Further, the court observed that various companies have been identified who were willing to spend funds for removal of the species under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Scheme. Thus, the Tamil Nādu Newsprint & Paper Company had also come forward and agreed to take the invasive species after they were removed.
Accordingly, the court directed the state to pass necessary orders and adjourned the case to 11th October for filing report.