Order of the Supreme Court of India in the matter of In Re: T. N. Godavarman Thirumulpad Vs Union of India & Others dated 09/05/2018 regarding encroachment of Panchmarhi Cantonment land.

Supreme Court has been informed that out of 1001.582 hectares of Cantonment land belonging to the Army which is included in the Panchmarhi Wild Life Sanctuary notified under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, 607.582 hectares is non-forest Cantonment land and 395 hectares is deemed forest land being part of Cantonment land belonging to the Army.

In the meeting held under the aegis of the Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, it was agreed that 234 hectares out of 395 hectares should be kept as a deemed forest under the control of the Army authorities. However, since the entire 395 hectares of land is a deemed forest, Apex Court opines that that the entire land of 395 hectares be maintained as a deemed forest under the control of the Army authorities. Supreme Court rules that this 395 hectares will continue to remain as deemed forest and can be utilised by the Army authorities for jungle warfare, but no trees will be damaged or cut in that area. The Army authorities has also agreed to construct a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP).

Previous Related Order Dated 13/03/2018 [2]