The Coimbatore district administration sealed five resorts, restaurants and farm-stay establishments in Veerapandi and Nanjundapuram after their operators allegedly continued to function without the required permissions despite final notices to close, following directions from the Madras High Court.
The action was taken on the evening of November 10, according to a report by Dinamalar – Tamil Nadu. The properties sealed were Darja Resort in Nanjundapuram, Five Star Garden Restaurant in Nanjundapuram, Bruce Resto and Cafe in Veerapandi, Elephant Country Farm and Sarva Farm House restaurant. The district authorities closed the premises and affixed seals after the operators did not comply with the final notices.
The enforcement action follows a case filed in the Madras High Court by wildlife activist Muralidharan against private lodging facilities allegedly constructed and operated illegally in the Anaikatti forest area of Coimbatore district. The petition sought government action against the facilities and their removal.
The special bench hearing cases related to the environment, forests and wildlife had directed the formation of a committee under the leadership of the Coimbatore district collector. The committee was asked to inspect private lodging facilities operating in the Anaikatti region and submit a report to the court.
After the district administration submitted its report, the High Court directed authorities to close and seal private lodging facilities and hotels operating without permission. The administration subsequently issued final notices to the establishments concerned. Some resort and hotel operators voluntarily shut their premises after receiving the notices, while the five facilities sealed this week remained open, the report said.
The operation involved officials from several departments, reflecting the range of approvals and enforcement responsibilities involved in such properties. Those taking part included Coimbatore North Tahsildar Jayakumar, Assistant Director of Town and Country Planning Pavithra, Periyanaickenpalayam block development officer Vijayakumar, a special officer, a revenue inspector, a village administrative officer, police personnel and representatives of the electricity board.
The action places the operation of private hospitality facilities in forest-adjacent areas under closer administrative scrutiny. The case also shows how complaints about unauthorised construction and lodging facilities can move from litigation to a multi-department inspection, formal notices and physical enforcement. The supplied report does not specify the individual permissions that were absent at each property or whether the operators have filed any challenge against the sealing action.
The district administration’s latest step follows the High Court’s directions and the committee’s inspection process. Further action on the sealed properties will depend on the court proceedings and the authorities’ implementation of the orders concerning unauthorised private lodging facilities in the Anaikatti region.
