HC asks authorities to file affidavits

The Madras High Court has directed authorities to file affidavits explaining reasons for non-participation of heads of Municipal Administrative and Water Supply Department and Town Planning at a meeting to discuss steps to be taken with regard to the North East Monsoon.
Taking a serious view, the court directed the Director of Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department, The Director and the Commissioner of Town Planning to file affidavits explaining the reasons.
The matter relates a PIL by A. Narayanan, Director of Change India, an NGO, seeking a direction to authorities to desilt storm water drains, waterways and water bodies to prevent any flood situation experienced by the city during last year's monsoon.

When the matter came up earlier on September 16, the court had directed that the special Committee constituted by the government shall meet within ten days of the order.
When the matter came up today, it was brought to the notice of the court by the petitioner that though the meeting was convened the Heads of the Department, who have to take main decisions, did not participate.
The court recorded the submission and said: "Let all the three officers file affidavits explaining their absence in the meeting and as to why the meetings are being conducted in breach of the order for which purpose, even the Chairman and Managing Director, Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board who is the Chairman of the Committee will file an affidavit.