Mon Apr 07 16:33:04 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu to Ease Hill Area Conservation Rules

**Chennai, April 7, 2025** – The Tamil Nadu government announced a significant easing of restrictions imposed by the Hill Area Conservation Authority (HACA). Instead of applying rules to entire villages, the government will now restrict HACA regulations to specific survey numbers. This change, according to Housing and Urban Development Minister S. Muthusamy, is expected to release approximately 60% of the currently restricted land.

A survey using this new approach is underway in Coimbatore and Kanniyakumari districts and is nearing completion. The Minister explained the change was necessary due to inconsistencies in village sizes, with some extending up to 10 kilometers and others only 2 kilometers. The previous village-based approach, he said, created disparities.

While acknowledging concerns raised by AIADMK MLA Paul Manoj Pandian about the impact of HACA rules on development, Minister Muthusamy stated that complete relaxation of the norms was not feasible immediately due to ongoing legal issues. However, he emphasized the government’s commitment to a more regulated and targeted approach to conservation.

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