The Madurai Corporation submitted a status report on the action taken in cleaning up the Panaiyur and Anuppanadi channels before a division bench of Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice Nisha Banu in the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Friday.
In its report, the civic body stated that cleaning of channels was in progress but it was facing hurdles in the operation as the waterbodies passed through densely populated residential areas riddled with encroachments. It ensured that the cleaning up work would be completed by November 15.
Taking note of the report, the court sought another status report on November 8. The respondent authorities were directed to ensure that no such debris, garbage and waste materials were dumped into the channels and adjacent areas. Action may be initiated against those dumping garbage in the channels and appropriate fine imposed. Action against those polluting the channels would be initiated under the ‘polluter pays’ principle.
The court also directed that steps should also be taken to remove the encroachments in accordance with law. Surveillance and cleaning up operations should continue to prevent dumping of garbage and waste materials in future.
Grand Anicut Canal
The status report on the clean up operation in the Grand Anicut Canal said that the work was nearly completed. Taking note of the report, the court directed the Tanjavur Corporation to carry out regular clean up and ensure that there was no dumping of waste into the canal. The court also said that stringent action should be taken against those polluting the canal by way of imposing fine under the ‘polluter pays’ principle.
As the 149 km canal also passes through Pudukkottai district, the court impleaded Pudukottai Collector as a respondent in the case and directed the PWD to ensure that the entire canal was free from pollution.
The suo motu public interest litigation petition initiated by the court taking cognisance of a news report published by The Hindu was subsequently disposed of.