Solar fencing of township project near Coimbatore removed for failing to maintain minimum buffer zone of 150 metres

Some stretches of solar fencing erected by plotted real estate developer G Square around its township project abutting forest areas of the Madukkarai range in Coimbatore district have been removed for failing to maintain a 150-meter minimum buffer zone ordered by a special Division Bench of the Madras High Court. 

Forest Department officials said that stretches of fencing, which fell within 150 metres distance from forest boundary, were removed based on the directions from the Bench comprising Justices N. Sathish Kumar and K. Rajasekar in an order dated August 14, 2026.

According to the order, the District Forest Officer, Coimbatore Division, had submitted a status report regarding the project. The report stated that while granting no-objection by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF), Chennai, vide reference TS4/10174/2013 dated April 17, 2013 and TS4/45515/2013 dated December 2, 2013, it was clearly indicated that a distance of 150 to 200 metres should be maintained as an intervening buffer, within which no work or activity shall be undertaken. The report further indicated that the area is frequented by elephants and a distance of 150 to 200 metres is required to be retained as a buffer in such circumstances. 

A team led by Madukkarai Forest Range Officer visited the area earlier in September and found that fences were present within 150 metres from the forest boundary at some locations. Stretches of the fence that violated the court’s direction on the buffer area were removed, said Forest Department sources.

The property developer stated in its affidavit submitted before the court on September 18 that it obtained the necessary permission from the concerned departments. It stated the prescribed buffer zone has been strictly maintained and that the development has been confined to the areas permitted for development.

The court, in its order on September 18, observed that though the developer filed such an affidavit, it is relevant to note that the Forest Department in its earlier status report had indicated that the area in question is frequented by elephants. The court reiterated its earlier orders that there shall be no development work or activity by the property developer within the buffer area of 150 to 200 metres.

As per the order, the District Forest Officer stated in a letter addressed to the Government Pleader that the Forest Department was regularly monitoring the reserve forest (RF) boundary and the adjoining areas to ensure that no power fencing is erected and that no construction activity is undertaken within the RF.