HC slams encroachments on water bodies,seeks desilting report

Coming down heavily on encroachments on water bodies, the Madras High Court Tuesday sought a detailed report about number of lakes and reservoirs in the State besides steps taken for desilting.

The court also impleaded the PWD Secretary in the case.

A division bench of Justice S Manikumar and Justice Subramonium Prasad was hearing a PIL seeking removal of encroachments in the feeding/supply channel from Palar river to Udayendram lake in Vellore.

After directing the registry to post the plea along with similar ones seeking removal of encroachments in water canals and bodies, the bench impleaded the PWD Secretary as respondent to the present petition.

The bench also directed authorities concerned to furnish details of the steps taken for removal of encroachments and issuance of notice to residents and order passed thereof.

"We also direct that there should be continuous cleaning of channel."
We have seen rules framed by the government for rain water harvesting... steps to have been taken for desilting four tanks in Chennai and the availability of water for supply to public in Chennai."
Secretary PWD who is vested with the custody of preserving the lakes is also directed to submit a detailed report of the steps taken for removal of encroachment."