Solar fencing of township project near Coimbatore removed for failing to maintain minimum buffer zone of 150 metres - The HinduUpdated - September 30, 2026 11:41 pm IST - COIMBATOREAn area between the township project site and boundary of Madukkarai forest range limits from where solar fence was removed. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTThe Forest Department recently said it is regularly monitoring the Reserve Forest Boundary and the adjoining areas to ensure that no power fencing is erected and that no construction activity is undertaken within the Reserve Forest Area.Some stretches of solar fencing, reportedly erected by a real estate developer around its township project in Coimbatore district, have been removed following an order by a special Division Bench of the Madras High Court, the Department officials told The Hindu.Forest Department officials said that the 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.The property developer stated in its affidavit submitted before the court on September 18 that it obtained the necessary permission from the departments concerned. 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 within the buffer area of 150 to 200 metres.The Court said in its order that pursuant to its earlier direction to identify and declare certain areas as a No Development Zone along the elephant corridor, the Special Government Pleader will submit a survey in two weeks time.Further, the District Forest Officer, Coimbatore Division, has addressed a letter to the Government pleader stating that the Forest Department is regularly monitoring the Reserve Forest boundary and the adjoining areas to ensure that no power fencing is erected and that no construction activity is undertaken withing the Reserve Forest area.The said monitoring shall be continued and the authorities shall ensure strict compliance of the aforesaid direction, the Court said.Published - September 29, 2026 09:37 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }