Madras HC Limits Tourist Vehicles Entering Nilgiris & Kodaikanal During Summer, Asks For Preference To Be Given To Electric Cars

The forest bench of Justice N Satish Kumar and Justice Bharatha Chakravarthy passed the directions after taking note of the carrying capacity of the hill stations. The court thus directed that only 6000 vehicles be permitted to the Nilgiris and 4000 to Kodaikanal on weekdays. On weekends, this number increased to 8000 and 6000 respectively.

The court, however, added that the restrictions would not be applicable to government buses carrying tourists, government vehicles and vehicles involved in trade and business. The vehicles of local residents would also exempted from the daily limit. The court also asked the state to give priority to e-vehicles while issuing the e-pass. The court directed the system to be introduced by April and was to continue till June.

In April last year, the court had directed the State government to make e-pass mandatory for vehicles entering the hill stations. The present vehicle limit would be in addition to the existing e-pass system. While implementing the e-pass system, the court had emphasised the importance of protecting the entire Nilgiris biosphere and the Western ghats. Noting that human beings could not exist without biodiversity, the court noted that it was critical to preserve the pristine places in the interest of human beings.

In addition to the restrictions, the court asked the State government to ensure adequate drinking water facilities and install temporary toilets by implementing effective solid waste management system. The court also asked the State to consider the possibility of introducing mini e-buses with transparent body which could take the tourists through the area and could further reduce the number of vehicles.

Case Title: G Subramania Koushik v. The Principal Secretary and Others

Case No: WP 15120 of 2019