Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of News Item titled "Forest Dept. objects to operating flights over protected areas" appearing in the Times of India dated 31.12.2023 The application has been registered on the basis of the news item titled "Forest Dept. objects to operating flights over protected areas" appearing in the ‘Times of India’ dated December 31, 2023.

The news item disclosed that a chartered helicopter flew over Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) and the protected area of Mukurthi National Park in the Nilgiris. It also contains the stand of the Forest Department to avoid forest and protected areas in Tamil Nadu while designating paths for choppers and flights.

The principal bench of the NGT directed notice to be issued to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Tamil Nadu Forest Department; Chief Wildlife Warden, Tamil Nadu and Directorate General of Civil Aviation through its Director General.

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The status report filed by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Tamil Nadu Forest Department and Chief Wildlife Warden, Tamil Nadu was filed stating that the helicopter took off from outside the boundaries of reserve forest area. Along with status report a communication of Tamil Nadu Forest Department has been placed on record which quoted the order of the High Court (W.P. No. 15200 of 2023) which quotes the Supreme Court’s guidelines “prohibiting flights in zones such as National Parks, core and buffer zones of tiger reserves and bird sanctuaries”.

The authorities sought further time to file a further comprehensive report.