The Madras High Court today issued as many as 33 directives to the Tirunelveli district administration and other officials concerned to improve facilities available at the Courtallam falls.
Justice N Kirubakaran and Justice S Vadiyanathan of Madurai bench gave the direction while passing interim orders on a PIL by one R Krishnasamy.
The bench appointed advocate-commissioners and based on their report, gave the direction. The authorities concerned should file compliance report also, the Division bench said.
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The directive prohibited use of oil, shampoos, soaps, detergents, chemicals and shikakai, plastic items and washing of clothes in the bath area of all the falls and sale of these items, as the water is the main source of drinking water for the people in Tirunelveli district.
The safety pillars and railings should be made of materials which do not rust due to water and climatic conditions and they have to be erected, fixed and painted before the season begins.
More high mast lights should be erected and maintained properly to prevent any offence being committed under the cover of darkness.
More toilets should be constructed at the falls area as
well as at the bus stand and women appointed exclusively for maintenance of women toilets and dressing rooms.
The bench also restrained the authorities concerned from
discharging the sewage into the river. The drinking water 'RO' system near the main falls should be repaired and such systems have to be provided at the earliest.
The bench also directed the government authorities to shift 'TASMAC' shops near the falls to far away places. Health inspectors should visit hotels and eateries and check the quality of food served. Unhygienic hotels should be sealed.
More police men should be recruited. Drunken driving must
be curtailed and mobile courts be stationed to prevent people from indulging in criminal activities.
The health centre/hospital should be kept open round the
clock to meet medical emergencies. Ambulances and rescue teams must be stationed near the falls.
Encroachments made by shop keepers and vendors should be
removed. CCTV cameras should be installed in important locations like car parking areas, falls area, temple, and bus stand, the bench said.
