The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has stopped work on illegal resort buildings near Avalanche Lake in the Nilgiris. These structures were harming the natural beauty and could break wildlife routes, officials said. "The owners applied for residential building permission from the local panchayat in 2016, which lapsed," said an official. "They started building for tourism without any department's approval." Resort owners also sought approval from the State Tourism department but did not get clearance. So far, only elevated platforms, meant for buildings, are built. Conservationists demand immediate demolition. Divisional Forest Officer S. Gowtham told The Hindu, "We have not given any clearance for the construction and hence, our staff have inspected the site and stopped the work as it lacks necessary clearances." A local conservationist said panchayats should not allow constructions within 500 meters of reserved forest edges. They added, "Constructions hinder wildlife movement. Animals do not understand forest boundaries or private properties. These areas must stay free from obstacles." The conservationist warned that such resorts can help poachers watch wildlife, saying, "Avalanche area already saw tiger poaching cases, so extra care is needed." The Forest Department’s action aims to protect both the environment and the animals living in this sensitive zone.