As per official Govt Orders it has been alleged that the Tourism Department has granted approval for an activity unrelated to forestry on land that falls under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department.
Perumbadi Lake, located along the Virajpet–Kerala road and nestled in the natural landscape of the Western Ghats, is a scenic lake that serves as a habitat for several wild animals. It is alleged that approval has been granted for activities unrelated to forest use in this protected area.
According to rules, permission from the CEC (Central Empowered Committee), constituted by Supreme Court – is mandatory for any non-forest activity within Forest limits. However, in this instance, the Tourism Department has reportedly granted approval for activities at the Perumbadi Lake area on the land that belongs to the Forest Department – without obtaining the necessary permission. This has raised serious concerns among many.
Environmentalists have now questioned how the Tourism Department, which is supposed to uphold the law, succumbed to pressure and approved various recreational activities in the lake area. They have demanded an immediate investigation, strict action against those responsible, and withdrawal of the project, which has no legal backing under existing forest laws.
